With the new 'Traffic Light Assist', you might never stop at a red light again: said Audi

Red light can be annoying especially when you are in haste.

Audi is developing a system know as 'Traffic Light Assist' that shows drivers exactly how far their next red is, helping them time their drive to minimize stopping.

The display, in the dashboard in front of drivers, shows a traffic light icon  with a countdown timer that reads the number of seconds before a light changes from red to green.

The system, is linked into a city's electronic traffic light network, and can even take into account lane changes.

Local data from city councils who install smart traffic lights, and motion sensors in the car are used to predict exactly how long it'll be until the green light goes red.

The goal of developers was to achieve the most efficient flow of traffic in metropolitan areas,' said Audi.

HOW IT WORKS

 

Information from the traffic light systems is transmitted to the car and shown on the dashboard - or eventually on a heads up display.

When combined with the motion sensors and speed information from the car, drivers can be told exactly how to avoid stopping at red lights.

It shows the driver the speed to select in order to reach the next traffic light during a green phase. 

Acoustic signals also warn the driver in advance of red lights.