Blinded by the Light, LEDs Cause Chaos - The UpStream

In an attempt to become more energy efficient, many states have decided to switch over to LED traffic lights. Turns out going green may not be the best solution in every situation, especially this one.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, these lights are under scrutiny for causing many accidents, and at least one death. The problem is that the lights don't get hot enough, so anywhere besides "beautiful Largo, Florida," the snow sitting on the traffic lights will not melt. To make matters worse, it often becomes crusted onto the light itself, especially in storms.

LED lights are much better for the environment, using 90 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. That plus the fact that they are less expensive and last longer make them a sure win, right? It seems like good logic, how could they know it would turn out so tragically? At first the energy saved by not producing heat seemed like a positive feature, but in reality, it may be the downfall.

Solutions are being brainstormed, but this may have just been a bad idea that needs to be revoked. Right now, the only way to get around it is to clean off the snow manually...what a pain!

One citizen even said "The police officer told me the new lights weren't melting the snow. How is that safe?" People are very unhappy with the lights and look for a solution in the near future. That's one reason you have to love Florida, right?