How does adaptive signal control differ from fixed-time signals?

How does adaptive signal control differ from fixed-time signals?

• A. It uses fixed cycles and no sensors
• B. It relies on predetermined schedules only
• C. It ignores real-time conditions
• D. It adjusts timings in real time based on detected traffic conditions

Answer: (D)

Adaptive signal control uses sensors to monitor current traffic and continuously updates cycle lengths, phase sequences, and green times to optimize throughput. This means the system responds to real-time conditions—extending or shortening greens where needed to reduce queues and delays, often across a network of intersections. Fixed-time signals, by contrast, run on a pre-set schedule with predetermined cycles and green splits, regardless of what traffic is doing right now. So the description that timing adjusts in real time based on detected traffic conditions best captures the difference.

Adaptive signal control uses sensors to monitor current traffic and continuously updates cycle lengths, phase sequences, and green times to optimize throughput. This means the system responds to real-time conditions—extending or shortening greens where needed to reduce queues and delays, often across a network of intersections. Fixed-time signals, by contrast, run on a pre-set schedule with predetermined cycles and green splits, regardless of what traffic is doing right now. So the description that timing adjusts in real time based on detected traffic conditions best captures the difference.