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| LIGHT BRIGHT: USA Signal Technology’s Bob Stevenson with his LED traffic signals. photography by Elizabeth Lavin |
If the industry for lane signal technology were a signal itself, before March 2002 it would be flashing a yellow “X,” signifying slow development. But four years ago, Bob Stevenson, founder, president, and CEO of Dallas-based USA Signal Technology, had a bright idea for a smarter way to control traffic. His company has been a green arrow ever since.
Stevenson, a 17-year veteran of Texas Instruments with a background in engineering and marketing, recognized a void in traffic-control systems. Lights were of low quality and burnt-out bulbs were expensive to replace, assuming street crews knew they needed replacing. USA Signal Technology came up with a better, LED-based signal, one that uses less energy, lasts longer (up to 23 years), costs less, and connects wirelessly with a central control location to keep a city updated up-to-the-minute about its operation.
“Right now we’re the only one that manages an intelligent traffic product,” Stevenson says. “The Department of Transportation can know the operating status at all times. And if it fails, they know where to go to replace it. We are the only company that has that capability.”
The intelligent traffic intersection system isn’t the only product the nine-person company offers. USA Signal Technology designs and manufactures wired and wireless video-surveillance systems, illegal trespass video detection systems for railroad crossings and railroad quiet zones, and interstate exit ramp indicators.
For USA Signal Technology, bright lights lead to a bright future.
