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Traffic Lights and Signals
Traffic lights are devices that allow for alternating flows of traffic. They signal to drivers when it is time to slow down, stop, or go. They help to ease traffic congestion in highly traveled areas.
565 Questions
What does A traffic light with a flashing red signal means?
When you see flashing red lights at a 4-way stop Light instead of normal traffic signals you should approach the intersection as if it was a 4-way stop sign, alternating N/S and E/W lanes proceeding through the intersection, one car at a time.
Typically this type of situation happens when the traffic signal system is malfunctioning.
depends on what part of the cycle they are at, need more info
Where is the green light on a traffic light?
The green light on the traffic light is on the bottom. The yellow is in middle, the red is on top. However, in some municipalities, the traffic lights are not vertical, they are horizontal. In these instances, the green light is usually, but not always, the furthest to the right.
On a standard traffic light is the green on the top or the bottom?
It is usually on the bottom of the traffic light.
On a standard traffic light is the green light on the top or the bottom?
In North America, it's on the bottom.
What does a yellow arrow traffic light mean?
A yellow arrow traffic light means that you should yield in the direction you are going. These are often in place when you are turning left.
On a traffic light which position is the green light?
On a vertical display traffic signal the green light is on the bottom. On a horizontal display traffic signal it is to the right, but may depend on that state (or municipality's) practice.
If you approach a traffic light that is not operational what should you do?
depending on where you live. In Canada, we treat them as if it was a 4 way stop sign.
What does a green arrow at the same time as a red traffic light mean?
The road leading up to these traffic lights will be split into filter lanes: traffic in one lane goes left, another lane is for traffic wanting to travel straight ahead, and another lane may be for vehicles wishing to go right.
Let's say the green arrow points left. It means only traffic that wants to turn left can go. Vehicles in all other lanes must remain stopped. If the arrow points right, you are free to move as long as you're in the right-hand lane; everyone else must stay stationary.
Do you have to stop before turning Right at a red traffic light?
Yes. Basic rule of driving: You must stop at a red light. Yes, that means a flashing red light as well!
On a traffic light what position is the green light?
The lowest light on a traffic signal is green. Some cities use traffic lights that are not arranges top to bottom but rather side to side. In this event the green light is usually the furthest to the right.
Coils of wire are buried under the road's surface to detect the metal in the car. Next time you are riding in a car look and you can usually see the lines in the asphalt where cuts were made to bury the wires. The signal from the detector is sent to the computer that runs the lights so it knows there are cars waiting. Good question!
Was the inventor of the traffic light an African-American?
Debatable as to who is the inventor. Two men are credited. You decide. 1. The very first traffic light was a revolving gas lantern with red and green lights installed in a London intersection in 1868, before the advent of automobiles. A later version of the traffic light based on railroad signals was installed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1920. But we have Garrett Augustus Morgan to thank for the modern version and first patent of this traffic-stopping invention. The son of former slaves, Morgan was born in 1877 in Kentucky. He later moved to Cincinnati and then Cleveland, where he owned and operated a sewing-machine repair business and earned quite a reputation as a technician. A multi-talented businessman, Morgan went on to establish the newspaper The Cleveland Call. In early 20th century Cleveland, as in other major U.S. cities, the roads were clogged with pedestrians, bicycles, animal-drawn wagons, and those newfangled automobiles. There were no traffic laws to speak of, and chaos ruled the streets. Accidents were frequent. After witnessing one such traffic accident, Morgan felt compelled to improve the situation. The result? The precursor to the modern traffic signal, patented on November 23, 1923. Not quite your contemporary street light, "The Morgan traffic signal was a T-shaped pole unit that featured three positions: Stop, Go and an all-directional stop position. This 'third position' halted traffic in all directions to allow pedestrians to cross streets more safely." His light was used throughout North America before being replaced by today's familiar red/yellow/green traffic lights. Morgan eventually sold the rights to his invention to General Electric. He also received a government citation for his invaluable invention. 2. The world's first traffic light came into being before the automobile was in use, and traffic consisted only of pedestrians, buggies, and wagons. Installed at an intersection in London in 1868, it was a revolving lantern with red and green signals. Red meant "stop" and green meant "caution." The lantern, illuminated by gas, was turned by means of a lever at its base so that the appropriate light faced traffic. On January 2, 1869, this crude traffic light exploded, injuring the policeman who was operating it. 3. Police Officer William L. Potts of Detroit, Michigan, decided to do something about the problem caused by the ever increasing number of automobiles on the streets. What he had in mind was figuring out a way to adapt railroad signals for street use. Potts used red, amber, and green railroad lights and about thirty-seven dollars worth of wire and electrical controls to make the world's first 4-way three color traffic light. It was installed in 1920 on the corner of Woodward and Michigan Avenues in Detroit. Within a year, Detroit had installed a total of fifteen of the new automatic lights.
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DID YOU KNOW? Invention: Traffic Light Function: noun / trsffic signal / stoplight Definition: A road signal for directing vehicular traffic by means of colored lights, typically red for stop, green for go, and yellow for proceed with caution. Patent: As a government emplyee Potts could not patent his invention. Inventor:William L. Potts Criteria: First practical. Modern prototype.
How much do you have to pay for a ticket for disobeying a traffic light?
This depends on the state and county that you are in. It can range from 75 dollars up to over a hundred.
