HOUSTON -- Metro and the City of Houston have launched a pilot program designed to reduce the number of accidents involving Light Rail trains downtown.

The strategy consists of signal priority adjustments, new traffic light fixtures and enhanced traffic movements along Main Street at key intersections.

Metro said six intersections have seen an increase in collisions since a resignaling effort last year, so they will focus on those.

Of the 43 accidents in 2009, 26 were caused by illegal left turns.

In 2007, there were 34 Light Rail accidents, of which 17 were caused by illegal turns.

The six test intersections are along Main Street at St. Joseph, Franklin, Texas, Prairie, Preston and Congress.

Metro police have been working closely with the City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering, Traffic and Transportation Division to adjust the timing of the traffic signals.

The cooperative effort includes granting Light Rail the green light before motorists can proceed. Westbound and eastbound traffic signals will not be affected.

The traffic signal priority system was implemented at all six locations this past weekend and Metro is continuing to monitor their operation.

The City of Houston will be installing new traffic light fixtures at 14 locations downtown. One has already been installed at the intersection of Main and St. Joseph.

The new fixtures include four lamps, rather than the traditional three.

They are equipped with the main red and yellow solid ball lamps, but rather than a solid ball green lamp, the new lamps include a green directional up arrow, as well as a right-turn flashing amber arrow so motorists know when to turn.