Safety Analysis of Virtual Traffic Lights

Traffic lights used in transportation road networks have not undergone much technological advancement since their first installation in the early 1890's. The use of traffic lights still pose limitations, including very high operation and maintenance costs and limited adaptability to live traffic conditions. Virtual Traffic Lights (VTL) is a relatively novel concept based primarily on vehicle-to-vehicle communication and thus allowing removing costly traffic light installations. However, not much research has been done on the safety of these systems. This paper objective is to conduct a preliminary safety analysis of a VTL system and provide mitigation strategies for the highest safety threats. The VTL hazards identification, risk assessment, and proposed mitigation measures in this research, albeit incomplete, provide a working template for future research, development expansion and reasonable arguments for VTL system implementation.