My young son is colorblind - he is red- and green-deficient. He can see blue normally. He inherited the gene from his mother, a European woman. I have read 15 percent of European males are colorblind.

I noticed his condition when he would sometimes pick up the wrong color crayons. A doctor confirmed his condition. I talked with a coworker who has the exact same type of colorblindness. I discovered that they cannot distinguish the difference between a green, yellow and red. When driving, the single flashing light ahead, is it flashing red or yellow? The color of course tells you whether you are expected to stop before proceeding through the intersection. My friend told me he has to watch to see what other drivers do to know what is expected. Of course he doesn't have this if no one is in front of him. In hindsight, I have seen fellow drivers stopping at flashing yellow lights and this would make me a bit angry at seeing another "stupid driver". I now know they were likely colorblind and trying to be safe.

My proposal is that all single flashing lights be equipped with a solid bar across the light. This will make a visible dark band go across it. If it is a horizontal bar, the light is yellow. If it is vertical it is red.

Retrofitting all existing single flashing lights would be very easy and inexpensive. All future lights could be made that way with a adjustable bar that can be set for light color.

I know the percentage of colorblind people in the US in small, but this would be one small thing we could do to help those disadvantaged around us live a better and safer life.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree