Environmentally friendly LED Traffic Lights Don't Heat Enough to Melt Snow

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LED traffic lights are a great way for cities around the world to save on energy costs, but from what we’re hearing although they use 90 percent less energy, they’re not as efficient compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs when heavy snow strikes the way it did in many places around Europe and the US in the last couple of days.

Of course global warming is probably the decade’s most debated topic and LED traffic lights are just a small part in the big puzzle, but the hazardous downside is that they aforementioned LEDs don’t burn hot enough to melt any snow that covers them. And word is that the whole thing led to numerous traffic jams, a few accidents and at least one death.

Already a problem in many places that have switched to LED traffic lights (indeed you see them much better during the day), authorities are already working to find a fix. That includes installing weather shields, coating the lights with water-repellent substances or heating elements like those used on airport runways.

Funny how the biggest advantage of the LED technology is its biggest drawback when used as traffic lights. Let’s hope for a fix soon!