why some traffic lights blink with a vertical line in the center (when they are red)?

Answer 1

You'll usually see this on a road that is very long and straight, or on limited-access roads. Basically anywhere you might not expect to see a traffic light at all. The strobe in the center of the red light basically calls your attention to the fact that it's red.

Sometimes you'll also see this type of light in areas that are prone to fog.

Incidentally, these lights are no longer permitted by the Federal Highway Administration, but the individual states have been slow to comply with the new regulation.

Answer 2

The white strobe in the center of the light is designed to call attention to the light. These are used mainly in areas where the light is likely to be overlooked. For example, on a major highway where there are few traffic lights, the strobe may be installed as an added safety item to call attention to the fact that there is a light. On some stretches of highway, you can go miles without a traffic light, and then there is one that seems to pop up out of nowhere, especially to drivers not familiar with the road!

Answer 3

Actually it is a strobe light to draw greater attention to the red light. It is commonly installed at lights at high speed intersections of with a history of accidents resulting from people having run the light.

Answer 4

They are attention getters. Help people to pay attention to the red signal.

Answer 5

im pretty sure those are cameras taking pictures of any cars that run red lights...