A traffic light is a system of lights placed at busy intersections to control traffic crossing. These systems help reduce congestion by allowing crossings only on the green, not red or amber. The light colors (red, amber, and green) are relatively standardized worldwide, with local variations for different meanings.

Who invented the traffic light?

In 1912, a policeman named Lester Wire from Salt Lake City invented the world’s first electric traffic light. He also installed it and can be credited with its first use. This device used red and green lights to control traffic and had stop-and-go signs.

When do you stop?

If you approach a red light or stop sign in most countries, you must come to a complete stop before the line. In many areas, the law requires that traffic on major thoroughfares have priority over side roads. In these cases, the traffic on the main road is permitted to flow freely without stopping, while cars going onto or off the side roads must stop.

What do you do if you miss your green?

If you are too close to traffic lights when they change, failure to make a complete stop at red lights can result in a fine or damage points on your license. If this happens, it’s essential to pay attention to what caused the problem and to avoid it in the future.

Interesting facts:

• It takes an average of 3 seconds for a driver to recognize a traffic light, decide on an action and carry it out. This can cause problems when trying to make turns through intersections because many drivers will assume that the turn signal is only meant to warn other drivers of the turn, not to turn.
• Some traffic lights are equipped with cameras that can automatically capture an image of a person who runs through the light – which is illegal and dangerous! A fine or point deduction might occur if you get caught doing this.
• A new traffic light was installed in Washington D.C. in 2006, which senses when pedestrians are waiting to cross the street and changes itself accordingly. Cars will only get the green light when no one is around to use them!