PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Eugene-based company created an app that’s designed to help drivers catch green lights — and they’re asking Portland drivers to download and test out the smartphone app.
The app called “Enlighten” lets drivers know when the traffic light is about to change and helps them gauge their speed to avoid red lights. It was designed by Connected Signals.
The app provides audio cues and also displays visual cues as drivers approach traffic signals throughout Portland. It gives drivers a speed range of what they need to keep hitting green lights.
Connected Signals CEO Matt Ginsberg told the Portland Tribune, KOIN’s media partner, that he hopes the app will smooth traffic signal management by providing drivers with more information.
“The app displays a speedometer, and we’ll put a green arc on the display,” Ginsberg said. “If you go this speed, you’ll hit the next light on green. We also show the one after, because if you hit two greens in a row, you’re in the green wave and you’re good.”
It’s designed to be read while upright, mounted in a holder. The company said it could help fuel the economy, which is why they partnered with the Department of Energy on its studies.
The app has the potential to help reduce accidents from drivers rushing to try and beat a red light. According to the Portland Tribune, the app is designed to observe a driver’s behavior for awhile and then offer guidance which will increase the number of green lights encountered and encourage safer driving habits.
John Brady with PBOT said, “If we could get more predictable driver behavior, people driving the speed limit that makes for a more efficient and safer system as well.”
The company also has a contract with Portland that allows them to access the signal data, however, all information will remain anonymous. The Tribune said similar studies are underway in Phoenix, San Jose and Las Vegas.