SimJam learning guide

Traffic signal control concepts

This compact reference keeps engineering explanations outside the active game. SimJam teaches observation, signal phasing, protected left turns, control delay, adaptive control, mixed human/automated traffic, and emergency priority.

Stage 1Observe demand

Balance north–south and east–west traffic with a two-phase signal.

Stage 2Protect left turns

Sequence dedicated left and through phases across L/T/T lanes.

Stage 3Prioritize emergencies

Manage mixed HDV/AV traffic while limiting ambulance delay.

How scoring works

Stages 1 and 2 score Smart Signal Delay − Student Delay. Stage 3 subtracts the Emergency Priority Penalty: the average ambulance delay beyond a one-second grace period. Ambulance delay is also weighted 10× inside the traffic-delay measure. Higher total scores are better.