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Rules for red, yellow and green traffic lights

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Traffic lights are fundamental features of most busy roads. They help to better ensure road safety by directing the flow of vehicles and pedestrians for orderly and predictable traffic movement. 

Understanding the rules for red, yellow and green traffic lights is important for all road users, as this knowledge can help to prevent accidents. 

Red lights: Stop

A red traffic light universally means “stop.” When you encounter a red light, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop. You should stop at the designated stop line, crosswalk or before entering the intersection. Do not proceed into the intersection. In many places, you are allowed to turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign explicitly prohibits it. Make sure to yield thoughtfully to oncoming traffic, cyclists and pedestrians before turning. 

Yellow lights: Caution

A yellow light indicates that the traffic signal in question is about to change to red. This shift is a warning that motorists should prepare to stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see a yellow light, you should prepare to stop. It is not an invitation to speed up.

If you are too close to an intersection to stop safely when a light turns yellow, you may proceed through the intersection cautiously. The key is to avoid sudden stops that could cause rear-end collisions. Vehicles already in the intersection when the light turns yellow should proceed to clear the intersection as quickly and safely as possible.

Green lights: Go

A green light means “go,” but it does not grant a driver an unconditional right of way. Although a green arrow indicates a protected turn in the direction of the arrow. When a light turns green, you may proceed through the intersection. However, you must first ensure the intersection is clear of other vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Note that even with a green light, you must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and any vehicles still in the intersection. If you are making a turn on a green light, ensure that it is safe to do so. Left turns may still need to yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow signal.

At the end of the day, understanding and adhering to the rules for red, yellow and green traffic lights can help you – and those around you – to remain safer on busy streets. If another driver violates these rules and you get into an accident, it may be time to seek legal guidance.The post Rules for red, yellow and green traffic lights first appeared on Haxel Law .

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