Cities use speed-tracking traffic lights to reward law-abiding drivers

The short version

• Cities including Portland and Albuquerque are using 'Rest in Red' systems that turn signals green for drivers obeying speed limits.[Jalopnik]
• Municipal data and prior reporting indicate lower travel speeds and fewer traffic collisions along corridors using the technology.[Jalopnik]
• Comprehensive direct data evaluating the broad, long-term effectiveness of the traffic control method remains limited.[Jalopnik]

Key facts

• Portland and Albuquerque are utilizing 'Rest in Red' systems that scan approach speeds to grant green lights to non-speeding drivers.[Jalopnik]
• Portland observed average speeds decrease from 39 mph to 30 mph at its first updated intersection.[Jalopnik]
• Albuquerque reported that under 50% of drivers are speeding and noted fewer crashes and injuries on a busy road.[Jalopnik]
• Long Beach utilized similar signal systems in the early 2010s before shifting toward automated enforcement cameras.[Jalopnik]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• City Rewarding Safe Drivers With Never-Ending Green Lights Sees Dramatic Drop In Speeds And CrashesJalopnik