I just came accross this so I havn't had the chance to try myself but I was hoping that everyone here could give it a shot and see what happens. If we work in numbers, we'll know a lot sooner.

I'm not buying this until I see it but, if it does actually work, could you imagine what life at an intersection would be like with everyone flashing their lights when they pull up???

http://punksg.phreakco.com/diy/traffic.htm

 

All the intersections in my town have the sensors. I was under the impression that it was an infrared detector, so that would make it much more difficult to do what this guy is saying. If I remember, I'll ask my friend in the police department about it.

 

my friend who is an explorer(kinda like a jr. cop) does it when i am with him at night. he didnt memorize any pattern or anything, he just keeps flashing his birghts, it seems to work. we only do it when its late at night when theres no one on the road so people dont get the wrong idea.

 

Sorry to burst your bubbles. but its not quite as easy as flashing your lights. The system is made by 3M and called Opticom.
At the flip of a switch, the emergency vehicle driver broadcasts
encoded infrared communication that contains both data and
frequency information. The infrared transmission is received by
each upcoming traffic signalled intersection, validated for
authorization and sets in motion a request for a green light.
This occurs in an orderly, highly structured procedure that
accounts for cross traffic, pedestrians in crosswalks and traffic
engineering requirements.
The emergency vehicle gains right-of-way in a manner that
appears normal. All other traffic responds predictably and
without confusion to this natural transition.
The Opticom system is directional. It goes only where the
emergency vehicle goes without disrupting parallel
intersections or unnecessarily delaying cross traffic.

So, if the light is turning green from you flashing your headlights, its just a coincidence.

---firetruck driver, pump.

 

is there a system for just flashing lights though?? i've seen plow trucks around here with just a singe flashing strobe on the roof plowing around busy sections of town..not this year though haven't had any snow yet?!?!?

 

one50npump is the closest so far. The only ways to give yourself a green phase is by opticom (infared) or by audio. The are systems that have a cone and it hears the 'yelp' coming from siren and activates the green phase. These systems are normally only used in towns or near fire departments. Most signals have inductance loops in the asphalt that detect the metal in your cars. It sends a signal to the controller telling it you are waiting for a green phase. 'NO' amount of flashing your lights will give you a green light! PERIOD!
I design the traffic signals for South Carolina and have done so for the last 14 years.

 

Speaking of which, has anyone ever owned a vehicle that would not set of the sensor? I can not get my Bronco, nor my wifes Bronco to set it off. My bug will, a city bus will, but not my BII. It drives me up the freakin wall.

 

the inductance loops are a pain on a motorcycle.

 

That's probably just a warning strobe. Most slow moving utility vehicles (snow plows, street sweepers, etc.) have them or some variation.

 

yeah i know about the usuall yellow ones but this is a foward faceing 6"x6" white strobe .....