No More Running Reds Lights, Thanks to LED “Rat Lights”
Recently installed “rat lights” at 95 of Palm Desert’s intersections could stop drivers from squeaking through red lights. Currently, if you run a red, you may receive a nasty ticket in the mail, as your deed was unwittingly caught by an automatic camera. Instead of automatically monitoring an intersection, rat lights provide an additional visual signal that the light has turned red.
At only $100 each, the rat lights are also far less expensive than red light cameras, which can cost $150,000 each to install.
In effect, rat lights are small red LEDs installed on the back of traffic signals. When the light turns red, the rat light also lights up red. This allows police officers in opposing traffic to more easily spot those who run red lights.
Additionally, supporters vouch that personal interaction with an officer is more odious (and therefore more effective) than receiving an impersonal ticket in the mail.
To learn more about the uses of colored LED bulbs, follow the link.
Top photo by Stephano Mortellaro
