Energy-efficient traffic lights can't melt snow

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091216/ap_on_re_us/us_snow_covered_stoplights;_ylt=Alr8TsnuhgMo3MgiqYdSmTtvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTMwNTNmOW9yBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMjE2L3VzX3Nub3dfY292ZXJlZF9zdG9wbGlnaHRzBHBvcwMxMQRzZWMDeW5fYXJ0aWNsZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2VuZXJneS1lZmZpYw--

By DINESH RAMDE, Associated Press Writer Dinesh Ramde, Associated Press Writer – Tue Dec 15, 8:41 pm ET

MILWAUKEE – Cities around the country that have installed energy-efficient traffic lights are discovering a hazardous downside: The bulbs don't burn hot enough to melt snow and can become crusted over in a storm — a problem blamed for dozens of accidents and at least one death.

"I've never had to put up with this in the past," said Duane Kassens, a driver from West Bend who got into a fender-bender recently because he couldn't see the lights. "The police officer told me the new lights weren't melting the snow. How is that safe?"

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Sailing thru an intersection when the traffic light is not visible. Sounds like Atlanta driving.

What a bummer. They put up these lights that save tax-payer money and are more friendly to the environment, and they end up with a problem like this.

Reminds me of the quote I heard on 1690am radio in Atlanta the other day:

How do you make God laugh? Make a plan.