“Traffic Lights”

The electric traffic signal has been around for over 100 years. The idea and methodology of the meanings are everywhere in our society. But not everyone knows what the different colors or shapes of lights mean. In this week’s blog, we will cover the different intricacies of the traffic light. 

Green Light: Green means go. When you have a solid green light (bottom light if vertical and the furthest right if horizontal) you have the right of way over other colors of lights and can proceed through the intersection. Yield for pedestrians. If you are turning left, yield to oncoming traffic.

Red Light: Stop. A red traffic light means stop. When approaching a red light (top light or furthest left solid light) at an intersection, the driver should come to a complete stop at the marked stop line. If there is not a marked stop line, the driver should stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, the driver should stop before entering the intersection. Wait there until the light changes. There are some exceptions in which you can turn right or even left on red, but for the most part, when coming to a red light stop at the designated location or in the queue. 

Yellow Light: The yellow light indicates that the light will change from green to red soon. The yellow light should be the light in the middle between the red and green. William Potts, a policeman in Detroit invented the three-colored traffic light in 1920. This light in solid form indicates that the light is about to change giving drivers the ability to slow down smoothly and not get caught in the middle of the intersection. 

Flashing Yellow: A solid flashing yellow light means to proceed with caution. This can be seen for a left turn to identify caution when turning left. This can also be seen at night when less traffic is present allowing drivers to continue through intersections without having to stop. 

Flashing Red: A flashing red light indicates like at a solid red light to stop at the designated stopping point. However, a driver may proceed when it is their turn to go. It may act similar to a stop sign when all lights are flashing red or may indicate a stop sign where the cross traffic continues to flow using the flashing yellow light from above. Oftentimes, this can occur in bad weather as it is fail-safe as it brings drivers to a complete stop and all drivers should be able to manage a stop sign. 

Green Arrow: A green arrow indicates that you have the right of way. In the case of a green arrow proceed with caution, but understand that you should have an unencumbered path. Green arrows often indicate left and right turns as well as some straight line indications.  

Red Arrow: A red arrow indicates that one should not turn in that direction at that time. At a solid red light arrow stop like you would for a solid red light and wait for the light to change. Unless a turn-on red situation is in place, no signage against it is present, and the coast is clear. 

No Lights: If no lights are on, proceed with extreme caution. Treat the intersection as if it were a 4-way stop where all vehicles have stop signs. However, be on the lookout. Other drivers may be unaware of the intersection or the traffic lights and may proceed straight through. Wait your turn and proceed when the coast is clear. 

Traffic lights were designed to manage traffic more efficiently. In the case of an emergency vehicle, if possible get out of the way of the vehicle to the right. If not, remain where you are unless instructed by the emergency vehicle to move. In these cases, the emergency vehicle has the right of way and all drivers must yield to them regardless of the traffic signal color or indication. Traffic lights are not intended to be complicated, so if you are initially confused take a moment and reassess your surroundings. If you have any questions or comments related to traffic lights, comment them down below.