SMART TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND BEACONS, METHODS OF THEIR OPERATION, AND USE BY VEHICLES OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEVICES AND BEACONS

A traffic control system implements methods for transmitting current states of a traffic control device (TCD). The traffic control system may also transmit anticipated state transition of the TCD. The traffic control systems may additionally transmit confidence level of the anticipated state change and its timing. The current state, the anticipated transition, and the confidence level are received by a vehicle computer, which may perform adjustments to vehicle power train operations in response to the received information. The adjustments may include engagement/disengagement of a braking system; engagement/disengagement of a regenerative braking system; application/release of motive power; increasing/decreasing engine/motor power; engagement/disengagement of motor/engine (through a clutch or otherwise); starting/stopping of the internal combustion engine; selection of a gear ratio in a transmission; selection of a particular electrical storage device for providing motive power or for receiving regenerated electrical power; engagement/disengagement of a compressor of a climate control system; and others.