Why some traffic lights hate you and what to do about it

The urban myth about flashing your headlights at a traffic light to get it to change isn't true, but there are things you can do to escape that forever red.

The urban myth about flashing your headlights at a traffic light to get it to change isn’t true, but there are things you can do to escape that forever red.

The Traffic Light Doctor once again explains the science and inner-workings of our traffic light systems. These helpful tips will come in handy the next time you are trapped at a light that just won’t change. Perhaps the simplest and best, however, doesn’t use technology at all, it is to make a right, flip a u-turn and then another right. Running a red is never recommended.

While flashing headlights can help by changing the contrast for a malfunctioning camera, backing up and rolling forward to the stop bar is more likely to work in your favor. There is no way you’ll be able to trigger the emergency vehicle sensor with your standard lights.