Mats Järlström, who has studied engineering and been a technicican in the Swedish Air Force before moving to Oregon, became interested in how to make traffic lights more fair after his wife received a red-light ticket. He then began to analyze the formula used for traffic lights, a formula that originates from the 1950's, with one goal only -- to make traffic lights act more just and accordingly in today's traffic environment.

Oregon's state engineering board didn't approve on him making use of his right for freedom of speech, so instead of thanking him for his contribution and possible solutions to a problem that unnecessarily affects their citizens, they gave him a fine of $500.