Abstract
For the first time, a theoretically based combination of colour and shape of traffic light signals is proposed. As a result of this combination, a new effective traffic light model (Dalton Traffic Light) is created. The purpose of the Dalton Traffic Light is to ensure equal and indivisible safety and new conveniences for all road users; to radically improve road safety and the quality of life of people with color vision deficiency (CVD, color blindness) and other visual impairments. A person receives information mainly visually, therefore; despite the active introduction of digital intelligent technologies, traffic lights, like road signs, is the most important means of visualising the rules for organising and ordering traffic flow. The traditional traffic light does not provide identical control signals universally to all road users. A significant portion of conventional traffic light users are discriminatorily limited in the quality (unambiguity) of the control signals. Identical round traffic light signals cannot be combined to create a universal combined traffic light section. Compared with the existing traditional design, the Dalton traffic light has the following social, information, economic and aesthetic advantages: the most important benefit from a social perspective is the rehabilitation of a large group of people as equal road users (Restrictions on issuing driver's licenses may be lifted too). “Arrow” (apex) of the yellow intermediate triangular signal indicates in advance which signal (green or red) will be activated next. This clear additional information improves decision-making accuracy and contributes to improved road safety. Reduction of material, energy, transport and service costs for the manufacturing and operation of universal combined traffic light sections (one-section and two-section) compared to conventional traffic lights. Compact Dalton Traffic Lights (one-section and two-section) help reduce visual pollution of the street and road network. There are important anti-conservative aspects of the device implementation: the Dalton Traffic Light (vertical or horizontal) does not require changes to the colour, position or signal sequence of existing traditional traffic lights. The functions of the additional green arrows and red, yellow and green arrows of the standard traffic light remain unchanged. For the Dalton Traffic Light, the current rules and technical regulations (operating mode: steps, phases and control cycles; duration of the control phase; operating conditions: installation rules, elements of the supporting structure, reliability of fastening, etc.) are applied, which are observed during the operation of a conventional traffic light.