Pop quiz: Are traffic lights needed?

If you answered with an emphatic “Yes!”, or didn’t answer because the question was such a no-brainer, please keep reading.
If you are still thinking about an answer, or replied “No.”, you won’t find much value with the rest of this post.  Thanks.

Today marks the 101st anniversary of the very first installed traffic light in Cleveland, OH.  Wow, that means there was a time when cities were free-for-alls when it came to driving.  Today, that is a frightening, nonsensical proposition.  If traffic lights were not installed, every outing would be a coin toss.

Of course, it is an easy connection to know that the introduction of traffic lights was mandated by the immense growth of automobiles. As traffic increased and the zigzag of roads created intersections, something had to be done.

Next question:  How long did it take for traffic lights to become mainstream, then absolutely necessary, then taken for granted?

This question may take a little more thought because while the increase in cars created the need, there occurred a period of acceptance.  Times were changing, and municipalities had to determine the expense was necessary, while the public had to accept the new rules and courtesies that were now inherent to travel.

Of course, we can be assured there was still a group of die-hard, heels in the ground, naysayers that steadfastly argued horses were all that was needed. (I feel safe writing that last sentence, because chances are their direct descendants have stopped reading after the third paragraph)

The big turning point for traffic lights came when it was no longer a matter of opinion, but a matter of fact, that full-scale implementation had to be made, so that travel, especially within busy communities would become more efficient, universally understood, and safer. The addition of traffic lights into the grid of roads protected the very reason for vehicle use.  The cost for traffic lights was no longer and expense, it had become and remains…an investment.

Next question: Is continuous state-of-health battery monitoring needed?
Some of you blurted out “Absolutely!”  More than ever before answered with a confident “Yes.”  Some are still thinking, and some still believe horses, I mean batteries, are all that is needed.

For the times, they are a-changin’…

The fact is, the light has turned green with regard to continuous monitoring for all stationary battery backup applications.  Battery deployment is a mainstay for backup power, and all future estimates for ongoing sales show a substantial increase in usage.  Why?  Because, their primary function is to protect a valuable asset that simply cannot go dark.

In comparison to traffic lights, popular opinion now accepts state-of-health battery monitoring as necessary.  Even more important, end-users now consider continuous battery monitoring for data centers, remote sites, cabinets, utility, rail, and a multitude of other markets,…an investment.

Learn more about how BatteryDAQ can help with your needs at www.batterydaq.com, or email me directly attom.shannon@batterydaq.com.  Our solutions are affordable, compact, accurate, and user-friendly.  Come kick the tires.