Which statement best describes a green wave?

Which statement best describes a green wave?

• A. It reduces traffic signals to all red
• B. It allows random green times across intersections
• C. It requires coordination of signal timing along a corridor to achieve continuous movement at a set speed
• D. It only benefits pedestrians

Answer: (C)

A green wave is a coordinated progression of signal timing along a corridor so vehicles moving at a chosen speed encounter green lights at successive intersections, allowing continuous movement with minimal stopping. The way this works is by setting the offsets between signals so the travel time from one intersection to the next matches the time difference between their green starts, and selecting a cycle length that fits the spacing and target speed. This synchronization enables a car traveling at that design speed to hit greens along the route, improving flow and reducing stops. That’s why this description is the best fit: it captures the essential idea of timing coordination to achieve uninterrupted progression at a specific speed. The other ideas don’t describe how a green wave functions: making all signals red would halt movement; random green times would destroy progression; and while pedestrians have their own considerations, the primary purpose of a green wave is to benefit vehicles through coordinated timing for smooth traffic flow.

A green wave is a coordinated progression of signal timing along a corridor so vehicles moving at a chosen speed encounter green lights at successive intersections, allowing continuous movement with minimal stopping. The way this works is by setting the offsets between signals so the travel time from one intersection to the next matches the time difference between their green starts, and selecting a cycle length that fits the spacing and target speed. This synchronization enables a car traveling at that design speed to hit greens along the route, improving flow and reducing stops.

That’s why this description is the best fit: it captures the essential idea of timing coordination to achieve uninterrupted progression at a specific speed. The other ideas don’t describe how a green wave functions: making all signals red would halt movement; random green times would destroy progression; and while pedestrians have their own considerations, the primary purpose of a green wave is to benefit vehicles through coordinated timing for smooth traffic flow.