What Those Little Scoops On Top Of Traffic Lights Are For
SlashGear • • technology
Key Points:
- Traffic lights have evolved significantly since their first appearance in London in 1868, now featuring various gadgets and visors to improve visibility and functionality.
- Standard visors on traffic signals help block sun glare but can accumulate snow in colder climates, obstructing drivers' views.
- The snow scoop visor, with louvered vents and partial openings, enhances airflow to prevent snow buildup without requiring electricity, saving maintenance time and costs.
- Earlier incandescent and halogen bulbs emitted heat that melted snow, but modern energy-efficient LEDs lack this feature, necessitating new snow prevention designs.
- Additional solutions like snow cones—clear, durable acrylic covers—are also used to shield traffic lights from snow accumulation, ensuring visibility in harsh winter conditions.
