Smart traffic lights reduce intersection collisions by assigning right of way automatically instead of relying on eye contact between a driver and a pedestrian. A sensor at the crossing, usually a fixed camera, radar or a UWB anchor that reads tags on trucks and people, detects an approaching forklift and switches a light: a stop signal for pedestrians, or a slow signal for drivers on the cross aisle. Because the sensor sits at the corner, it sees past racking that blocks the driver's view. Many systems also log each activation, which shows how busy each crossing is and at what times.
The full guide is Forklift intersection safety, covering sight lines, markings and right-of-way rules. A light is a signal, not a barrier: people cross on red when the wait feels pointless, so keep detection zones tight enough that the light changes only when a truck is actually approaching. Pair it with a painted stop line, a gate where foot traffic is heavy, and lighting that keeps the signal visible.
OSHA 1910.178(n)(4) still requires drivers to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles where vision is obstructed; a light does not remove that duty. Review the activation log after the first weeks to find crossings that need a layout change rather than a signal.