Traffic lights help drivers know when to slow down when they’re driving fast. It also helps drivers to know when they should stop and when they should go. This is very helpful for pedestrians as well.
Traffic lights are used by drivers to guide them when they need to stop or go. Drivers should know how to properly use the traffic lights. A traffic light can save lives if it works properly.
History
Traffic lights were invented in the 19th century. They replaced the need for policemen to direct traffic.
The first traffic signals were installed in London in 1868. Traffic lights were used all over the world until the 1920s when they were replaced by electronic devices.
In the 1950s, computers were used to control traffic lights. By the 1960s, computers were being used to control traffic lights. Toronto was the first city to use computers to control traffic lights.
Vehicular Signals
A set of lights, known by the name of a signal head, may have one, two, or three aspects. Red on top, amber below, and green below that.
The most common signal types have three aspects facing the on-coming traffic: red on the top, amber below, and green below that. Other aspects may be fitted to signals, usually to indicate specific limitations or filter movement.
Traffic Signal Cycles
Generally, at least one direction at an intersection has a red light at any moment in the traffic cycle. In some jurisdictions, there is a brief period when all lights are red at the same time. This is called ‘all-red’ or’stop-and-go’.
The delay depends on traffic, road conditions, and the physical layout of the intersections. Modern signals are designed to allow this stop-and-go feature, even though it is not used very often.
Pedestrians are allowed to walk freely across intersections without having to wait for cars. Cars must stop when people start crossing the street.
Variations
Halifax, Nova Scotia, uses lights designed to help those who suffer from color blindness. In Canada, lights are often arranged vertically, but each aspect is different. In many southern and western US states, red is a square, yellow is a diamond and green is a circle.
Japanese traffic signals follow the same rules as other countries’ traffic signals. However, the “go” signal is called 青 (blue).
This causes problems when traveling internationally because the “green for go” law states that all traffic lights must be green.
To solve this problem, a new law was passed in 1973 stating that the “go” signal should be made the bluest possible shade of green.
Traffic lights should be green when there is no other vehicle present. When there is another vehicle present, the yellow light should turn red after 3 seconds.
Speed signs are used to warn drivers about approaching intersections. These signs are usually placed near the intersection, but sometimes they’re also placed along roads. This warning is given by a yellow light.
Fun Fact
Traffic lights with countdown displays reduce the number of accidents by about 35%. There is a reduction of about 11% in the lost time when using the SCDs compared to the traditional ones.
Yellow Traffic Light Rules
Yellow lights are a warning sign that tells drivers to slow down before stopping. Drivers should also watch for cars coming into the intersection at the same time as them.
Yellow arrows indicate that the red arrow is going to be shown. You should stop on seeing this symbol unless you’re already in the intersection.
Green lights mean that there are no vehicles left in the intersection. You should wait until any vehicle passes before you proceed.
Green arrows mean go ahead. You should be careful when driving because there may be other cars, bicycles, or pedestrians on the road. Make sure you pass them safely. If you see an arrow pointing right or left, you can make a protected turn.
Traffic Light Paragraph Example 1
Traffic lights are lights used to control traffic. They are placed on roads at intersections and crossroads. They help people move safely across streets.
Light Cycles
Traffic lights change their colors in this order: Red Light on: This tells drivers that they should stop. “Green Light” on: This means that drivers can drive safely. When the yellow light is on: This tells them to stop when it is okay to do so.
Lester Wire was the first person to invent the electric traffic light. He got the idea after he saw a train crossing signal with three lights. He then went back to school and studied how trains work.
After studying, he came up with the idea of using electricity to control traffic signals. In 1912, he patented this idea.
A few years later, he sold the rights to the company named General Electric. In 1925, he received $1 million for selling the rights to the company.
