"Electronic Flash" for Traffic Signals: Protection for All
Major Engineer Mohammed Al-Ghanim, an officer in the Traffic Control Department of the General Directorate of Traffic, confirmed that the “electronic flash” feature of traffic lights has been activated to protect lives and property. He noted that this feature is part of the electronic warning programs for drivers and motorcyclists.
Al-Ghanim told “Al-Jarida” that the General Directorate of Traffic is primarily committed to safeguarding the lives of road users. He pointed out that there has recently been a rise in traffic accidents caused by sudden stops at traffic lights, which necessitated field intervention by the leadership of the General Directorate of Traffic to investigate the causes of these incidents.
He added that the “Traffic” authority activated the electronic flashing system for traffic signals at several major intersections on a trial basis, followed by monitoring the results, which were very rapid at the sites where the initial trials were conducted. A significant decrease in rear-end collisions was observed, as well as a noticeable drop in violations related to the use of mobile phones while stopped at traffic lights.
He noted that the “Traffic” authority has extended the electronic flash concept to most traffic intersections across the country, with plans to roll it out to the remaining intersections. He emphasized that all these intersections are under regular and round-the-clock surveillance by the Operations and Traffic Control Departments.
He stressed that the primary objective of the electronic flash project is to protect property and lives, given the danger posed by sudden stops to road users and pedestrians, particularly those attempting to cross the intersection as quickly as possible.
Regarding how the “electronic flash” works, he explained that the traffic light emits five consecutive flashes to alert drivers to stop if the light is red, or to proceed if it is green. He noted that if a driver crosses the intersection after the flashing sequence but before the light turns red, a traffic violation for running a red light will be recorded against them, either through traffic surveillance cameras or via the Traffic Operations Department.
Al-Ghanim called on all road users to comply with traffic regulations and guidelines, which serve the common interest and aim primarily to protect them. He affirmed that the Ministry of Interior, in general, and the General Directorate of Traffic, in particular, are committed to ensuring road safety and peace of mind for everyone.
