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.