What does Green Wave Speed mean?
3 Answers
"Green Wave Speed" refers to maintaining this speed to maximize vehicle traffic capacity and reduce waiting time at red lights at intersections. Additional information: Meaning: "Green Wave" is an urban traffic control system that actively coordinates traffic lights at multiple intersections to allocate more green time to directions with heavier traffic flow, thereby preventing congestion. Green Wave Speed is likely the recommended speed for vehicles after the Green Wave control is activated on the road. Function: It uniformly coordinates traffic light signals within a certain range, enabling vehicles to improve traffic capacity within this designated area.
I used to love researching this during long-distance drives. The green wave speed refers to an intelligent traffic signal system designed for roads - if you maintain a specific speed, you can mostly pass through consecutive green lights. For example, urban arterial roads calculate the distance between intersections and traffic light durations, adjusting to a steady speed of 40-60 km/h. In most cases, you won't need to brake for red lights. This design is truly clever, both easing congestion and saving fuel. Last month on Hangzhou's Zhonghe Elevated Road, I maintained 50 km/h and passed through 7 intersections without stopping, arriving 15 minutes faster than usual. However, note that during peak hours with heavy traffic it may not work, and sudden lane changes or speeding can disrupt the rhythm. Remember: when you see green wave speed signs at intersections, maintain steady throttle - don't speed.
From a traffic engineering perspective, the green wave speed is quite ingenious. It's achieved by coordinating the traffic light cycles along an entire road, allowing vehicles departing at a green light to reach the next intersection just as it turns green again by maintaining a constant speed. Typically designed for speeds between 30-60 km/h, it's dynamically adjusted based on intersection spacing and traffic flow. The most impressive example I've seen is Shenzhen's Shennan Avenue, where 5 kilometers with 12 consecutive traffic lights are fully synchronized, improving peak-hour traffic efficiency by over 40%. This design not only saves time but also reduces sudden braking and acceleration by 20%, benefiting fuel economy and reducing vehicle wear. Next time you see a green wave indicator with ripple lines, give it a try.
