Traffic Lights
Years ago, there was one main type of traffic light: the typical red over yellow over green. Nowadays, the same colors are there, but the addition of arrows and blinking lights can cause a bit of confusion. Good defensive drivers avoid that confusion by having a solid understanding of these devices.
First off, let’s review the colors:
Red is easy enough. It means STOP. Come to a complete stop and remain that way until the light turns green. At most intersections, you can make a “right turn on red” once you have stopped. In a few instances, you can make a left on red.
Flashing red also means stop. Treat a single flashing red light as you would a stop sign. You will also see flashing red lights at a railroad crossing. You will read about that a bit later.
Green is pretty easy as well. It means GO; there is, however, a bit of a twist here. Just because a traffic signal indicates you can proceed, does not mean it is safe to do so. Always be alert for drivers who ignore their light and put you in danger. Also watch for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections. Do not move forward until you know it is safe to do so – safe for everybody. It doesn’t matter if the light is green or not.
Yellow is a bit trickier. On a standard traffic signal, yellow warns that the light is about to turn red and you need to be clear of the intersection. Slow down and prepare to stop. If this is not possible because a driver is following too closely behind you or if you are too far into the intersection to stop, continue through the intersection watching to be sure your path is clear.
Flashing yellow lights instruct you to use caution. Treat a single flashing yellow light signal as you would a yield sign.
YELLOW DOES NOT MEAN TO SPEED UP TP “BEAT THE LIGHT.”
YOU CAN BE CITED FOR RUNNING A RED LIGHT IF YOU TRY THIS.
The standard traffic signal has, from top to bottom, red, yellow, and green lights. It is interesting that drivers see this type of signal routinely but struggle to name the colors of the lights in order. One easy way to remember is to remember that “Stop is on top.”
In recent years, arrows have been added to light signals. While the colors have the same basic meanings, there is a bit more you must know when you approach a light signal with arrows:
Green arrows allow you to proceed in the direction of the arrow. You have the legal right of way, but be sure your path is clear before you turn. As always, yield to pedestrians or existing traffic in your path.
Yellow arrows warn you that turns permitted by a green arrow are about to be prohibited. Expect to see a red arrow soon to follow.
If you see a steady yellow arrow along with a typical circular green light, turning in a certain direction is about to be prohibited. So, for example, the green light may allow you to proceed straight ahead, but the yellow arrow indicates that permission to turn left is about to end.
A steady yellow arrow with a circular red indicates that movement in the direction of the arrow is about to end. The red light, of course, means that movement in any other direction was already prohibited.
Even newer than arrows are electronic control devices that you’ll see overhead as you travel on multi lane roads. A different light may appear above each lane. It is critical that you understand the meaning of these signals:
- A red X or light above a lane indicates you should not operate in that lane. Look for other devices or signs that will instruct you where it is permissible to drive. X
- A green arrow or light above a lane indicates you may drive in that lane, observing all posted signs and signals.
- A yellow X or light indicates you may remain in the lane but use extreme caution. This type of light may indicate that there is a hazard in the road ahead. If permissible, consider changing lanes when it is safe. X
