How municipalities figure out yellow light times

With sweat dripping from your brow and a tightening grip on the steering wheel, it can feel like a decision better suited for the steely resolve of 007 or Ethan Hunt. Like deciding between a red or yellow wire as a countdown to zero ticks closer and closer to impending doom. But this decision isn’t dependent on picking the right colored wire. It’s choosing what to do at the right colored light. Traffic lights. A press of the right pedal or left pedal could spell disaster or delight. But it’s a decision that is influenced by engineers to ensure whatever choice you make, you’ll survive it.