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TRAFFIC

SIGNAL LIGHTS
Traffic Lights
o These refers to any power operated traffic
control device by which traffic is warned or
directed to take some specific actions.
o Traffic lights signals are used to control
traffic at junctions and also to stop traffic to
provide safe crossing points for pedestrians
and cyclists.
o The color of traffic lights are chronologically
arrange to give motorists better view of
signal lights. From the top, the series of
color is red, Yellow and Green.
Historical Background
o Traffic lights were first introduced on railways-
the American railroads. The application on the
road came only later.
o The choice of their colors, internationally
adopted, was not arbitrary. It was the result of
traditions, careful considerations and
experience.
The Colors
o Today, traffic lights are taken for granted.
Few realize the amount of deliberation and
the various factors that lead to their
selection.
a) The colors had to be recognized easily, quickly and
unmistakably.
b) This had to be possible from the considerable distance
and while in motion.
c) This quality intensity and contrasts of the color had to
be such that they served their purpose in all weather,
day and night.
Red for Stop
 Red was an obvious choice for “stop”. It
had always represented danger. Fire was
red: man had learned early on to keep a
safe distance from it lest he be burned.
Blood was red: to shed it, brought death.
It is no wonder that therefore, red
became associated with emergency and
with danger.
White for Go
 Though “to give the green light” has become
the proverbial permissive signal in many
situation, green was not the original choice
for “go”. White first indicated that the
railroad was safe and that the train could
proceed without danger. After all, white had
always been regarded though unscientifically
so, as a pure and clear color. Consequently,
in the language of symbolism it came to
express purity. Therefore, it was suprising
either that initially it was decided upon to
make it the signal that the line was “clear”.
Caution
 Two “lights” were to control the running
of trains – white for “go” and red for
“stop”. It was then realized that safety
would be served better still by
introducing a cautionary light to warn the
driver of an imminent change. Its color
once again was to be determined by
considerations of contrast, distinctiveness
and visibility. The eventual choice was
green.
Green for Go
 It did not take long for “white” to prove
the wrong color for “go”. Bitter
experience taught that it was far from
ideal. In fact, it could prove fatal and prove
for a very pertinent reason. At the early
stage, kerosene lamps, served as the
source of lights. Any color than white was
produced by fixing a color glass plate in
front of the lamp.
From Rail to Road Traffic
 The increase or road traffic in cities
necessitated its regulation. Policemen on
point duty did a good job, but soon were
outnumbered by intersections demanding
attention. It became clear that only
mechanical aids could solve the problem. The
traffic authorities did not have to go far in
their search. They simply adopted and
adopted-though very gradually and even
before their final standardization – the ready
– made and well-tried system of railroad
signals.
Rationale
 Regulating traffic flow at intersections and
road crossing is just a matter of
alternating the GO and STOP signal so
that every driver gets his “fair share”. As a
result of this traffic lights were invented
to relieve the traffic policemen of the
mechanical duties of alternating traffic to
make everybody happy.
Problems concerning Traffic Lights.
 There are several problems arising from
intersections controlled by traffic light.
These are:
1. Failure to respect traffic laws and regulations
particularly in the absence of traffic law enforcers.
In the Philippine settings, respect to laws (not
necessary traffic laws) needs improvement.
2. When a traffic light suddenly becomes inoperative,
very seldom do order and a sense of discipline
prevail. It always ends up as massive free for all.
3. Even pedestrians are guilty of disobeying traffic lights
by crossing on DON’T WALK signs. This usually
halts traffic.
4. Many times, presence of traffic law enforcers does
not deter pedestrians from disobeying traffic lights
laws, rules and regulations.
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL
LIGHTS
Traffic control Signals
1.These are signal lights- designed primarily to control and
regulate traffic flows.
2.Special Pedestrian Signals-These signals lights provides
regulation for pedestrians like the “WALK” and “DO
NOT WALK” signal lights.
3.Trian Approach and Gates Signals-These are usually
installed on road rail intersections designed to inform
motorists of any approaching train on the intersection.
4.Other Special Traffic Signals –These are installed on
road-rail intersections designed to inform motorists of
any approaching train on the intersection.
Traffic Signal Systems
 1.The Fixed-time System. A traffic control
signal by which traffic is alternately commanded
to stop and predetermined to proceed in
accordance with predetermined time schedule.
This is the most widely used system of traffic
signaling. The duration of the green light remains
constant and is set to favor traffic on the main
roadway. Main road traffic halted periodically to
permit the side road traffic to cross the
intersection for a short fixed time before the
signal again signal changes are determined by
systematic studies of traffic flow and pedestrian
needs.
Progressive system.
 These are use in major arteries of a
number of cities. Signals at successive
intersection along the artery are time to
change from red to green at staggered
intervals, permitting a vehicle that
maintains a constant speed to proceed
without interruption under normal
circumtances.
Computerized control of signal
networks.
 Signal changes are ordered by the demand
of traffic and are directed by computers
that operates on the basis of traffic
information relayed from vehicle sensors
on the streets.
 In this system, traffic detectors are placed
at several location generally in the
pavement.
 A computer continuously scans the traffic
information from each detectors.
TO BE CONTINUED
Specific meaning of traffic lights.
o To attain more effective and
efficient controlling of traffic,
each color of the traffic lights
has specific meaning and traffic
regulation.
Steady red
 A. Stop at the designated line
 B. Vehicles will be crossing from the
other side.
 C. Expert pedestrian to cross at the
pedestrian lane.
 D. unless specified, you can TURN RIGHT
after a FULL STOP to clear traffic coming
from the left.
Steady green.
o A. Go
o B. Itis the turn of the vehicle on the
other side to STOP.
o C. Pedestrian is not allowed to cross the
pedestrian.
o D. Unless specified, you can move up to
the middle section of the intersection and
make a left turn when clear.
o E. DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN
LIGHT.
STEADY GREEN ARROW
o A. GO
o B. Vehicleturning left can do so.
o C. on coming staight traffic is still RED to
give way for the vehicle turning left.
o D. DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN
ARROW.
STEADY YELLOW
o A. PREPARE TO STOP
o B. it is the turn of the vehicle on
the other side and will be given
the GO signal shortly.
o C. DO NOT BEAT A YELLOW
LIGHT.
FLASHING RED
o A. This is the same as STOP SIGN
o B. Stop at the designated line.
o C. Vehicles will be crossing from the other
side
o D. expert pedestrian to cross at the
pedestrian lane.
o E. PROCEED WHEN CLEAR
FLASHING YELLOW.
o A. This is the same as a YIELD SIGN
o B. proceed though the intersection with
COUTION.
o C. you have the right of way over flashing
RED LIGHT
o D. vehicle on the other side will proceed
after coming to a FULL STOP.
Steady green and steady left/right
arrow.
o A. vehicle can go straight or vehicle on
the left lane can make a left turn.
o B. vehicle can go straight or vehicle on the
right lane can make a right turn.
o C. the RIGHT GREEN signal might or
might NOT have a road sign disallowing a
right turn while the RED light is ON.
THE END.

Thank you
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