What Do Traffic Lights Really Mean?

When you drive, you’ll almost always see traffic lights on the intersections that you come across to. But what do they really mean and how should you behave depending on the lights?

There are 3 lights namely red, yellow and green. Red is for stop. If you see a red light, stop and do not cross the intersection. This means that it is already green for the other directions to move. You should be getting a ticket if you run through a red light but you should be more concerned about your safety. It’s an exception to emergency vehicles though such as an ambulance or a fire truck.

The next is the yellow light. It’s the caution light. Once you see the light turn solid yellow you can still proceed to the intersection only when you are already in the intersection or if you’re traveling real fast and you don’t have enough time to stop. Let’s say you’re 5 meters away from the intersection and you’re traveling at 30 mph when the light turned yellow. Continue but proceed with caution. If you’re far from the intersection and it turned yellow, slow down and prepare to stop.

Awkward moments do happen when you’d have a hard time deciding if you’re going to stop or not since you may think that you won’t make it due to your speed or you’ll try to beat it. Well, the best approach to this is that on every intersection that you come across to with traffic lights, slow down and observe first so you can decide easier. Make it a habit.

A blinking yellow light means that you may proceed anytime but do so with caution. If there are other cars already in the intersection, give way to them and go next.

As for the green light, as long as it’s on, you may proceed anytime and you have the right of way in that intersection. Still proceed with caution as who knows, there may be an emergency vehicle passing through or just a selfish driver from the other direction who’s trying to beats the red light.

Pedestrians should also consider observing the traffic lights. They are a part of it and they have their own lights that should be coordinated with the other lights in that intersection. Some would try to cross even if it’s red especially if it’s clear. It’s really not worth taking the risk. It was meant for the safety of the pedestrians and if they neglect it, they’re neglecting their safety as well.

Well, the meaning or purpose of the lights may differ but these that I’ve mentioned may be the most common purposes of the traffic lights. Nevertheless, it’s always best to follow traffic lights since it helps direct traffic flow on an intersection and makes it safer for everyone on the road inside or outside of the cars.