September 3, 2020
Lake County Roads are Getting Smarter
Drivers in newer Audi vehicles will soon know when red lights turn to green at many traffic signals throughout Lake County. This feature, known as 'Time-to-Green,' will be available in newer Audi vehicles at more than 100 intersections in Lake County beginning this fall.
All models in Audi’s lineup since 2019, and starting with select models in 2017, were equipped with the Audi connect® PRIME Traffic Light Information feature, a cloud-connected vehicle service providing data and information near signalized intersections that is displayed on the instrument panel or heads-up display. It also alerts drivers of reduced speeds they need to drive to arrive on a green light and what their anticipated time at the next light would be.
The Lake County Division of Transportation has been working with Traffic Technology Services (TTS), Inc. to launch a new program featuring cloud-based technology that allows vehicles to receive information from Lake County's traffic signal network. Through this program, Lake County receives anonymous information from TTS and Audi about motorist's experiences, such as how long a vehicle waits at a red light, that it can use to improve traffic signal operations.
"Lake County's long-term investment in our Lake County PASSAGE system has positioned us to be on the leading-edge of transportation technology," said Shane Schneider, LCDOT Director. "This new program, which is at no-cost to Lake County, is the first step towards a future where we share real-time traffic signal and network information directly to vehicles."
At this time, only newer Audi vehicles are equipped to take advantage of Lake County's traffic signal network. But it's anticipated that more manufacturers will equip vehicles with technology that can connect to traffic signals in the coming years. For example, Volkswagen is starting to roll out this feature to some of its brands according to TTS.
"Studies have shown that people are more patient at traffic lights if they know how long they will be idle at the signal for,” said Justin Effinger, Principal Engineer. “Our goal is to ultimately expand this new program, apply for grants, and partner with companies and groups so we can use the latest technology to improve traffic signal timings and safety on Lake County roads."
Audi connect® PRIME Traffic Light Information is also available in certain cities and metropolitan areas across the United States. See how it works by watching this video.
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