TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS

JESSEL KEE S. PECONADA

CDI 2
Traffic Lights
 Refers to any power operated traffic control
device by which is warned or directed to take
some specific actions.
 Used to control traffic at junctions and also to
stop traffic to provide safe crossing points for
pedestrian and cyclists.
 A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 Traffic lights
first
introduced on
RAILWAYS – the
American
railroads.
 1. THE COLORS
 Fundamental conditions had to be
met:
a. The colors had to be recognized
easily, quikly and unmistakably.
b. This had to be possible from the
considerable distance and while in
motion.
c. The quality, intensity and
contrast of the colors had to be
such that they served thier purpose
in all weather, day and night.
 2. Red for ''Stop''.

 Red was an obvious

choice for ''stop''.
 Ithad always
represented
danger.
3. White for ''Go''.
 Though ''to give the green light'' has become
the proverbial permissive signal in many a
situation, green was not the original choice
for ''go''.
 Itwas first indicated that the railroad was
safe and that the train could proceed
without danger.
 It is also the most easily produced.
4. Caution.
 Two ''lights'' were to
control the running of
trains-white for ''go''
and red for ''stop''.
 Its color once again
was to be determined
by considerations of
contrast,
distinctiveness and
visibility.
 The eventual choice
was green.
 In 1841, meeting of railway
officials in Birmingham,
England.
 It was finally agreed to make
red,green, and white the
standard signals for
''danger'',caution'', and ''go
ahead''.
5. Green for ''Go''.
 It was the hue of all
foliage and growing
things.
 It was symbolic of
motion, drive, and
vitality.
 From the very
begginning, it should
have been the
obvious color for
signalling permission
to proceed.
 Green found its rightful place in the scheme
of traffic lights.
 That is how green, yellow, and red became
the standard combination of colors for
railroad signals.
 The New York, New Havens, and Hartford
Railroad, USA, was the first introduce them
in 1899.
 B. From Rail to Road Traffic.

 The increase of road traffic in cities necessitated

its regulation.It became clear that only
mechanical aids could solve the problem.
 Dec.10,1868 - lights was inaugurated.
 Jan. 2,1869 - the gas container supplying the
lights with fuel exploded, badly injuring the
policeman.
 1912 in Salt Lake City, Utah,USA - one of the
world's first electric traffic lights was developed
by Lester Wire.
 Lester Wire - a detective on the city
police force.
 A wooden box with a slanted roof,
the lights were colored with red and
green dye and shone through
circular openings.The box was
mounted on a pole and the wires
were attached to the overhead
trolley and light wires.
 It was manually operated.
 Cleveland, Ohio - adopted a more elaborate
electric signal in 1914, which became the
prototype of all modern systems.
 Itstwo colors (red and green) could be
controlled either by hand or by an
automatic timer.They were supplemented
by warning buzzers.
 In1918, New York City - put up the first
automatic (three colored) lights.
C. Rationale.
 Regulating traffic flow at intersections and
road crossings is just a matter of alternating
the GO and STOP signal so that every driver
gets his ''fair share''.
 Duringinstances wherein traffic officers are
directing traffic at a crossing or intersection
equipped with traffic lights, the
INSTRUCTIONS OF THE POLICE OFFICER TAKE
PRECEDENCE over the traffic lights.
D. Problems Concerning Traffic Lights.

1. Failure to respect taffic laws and regulations

particularly in the absence of traffic law
enforcers.In the philippine setting, 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 a 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 laws, rules and
regulations.
 Lichauco advised that IT IS SAFER TO SLOW
DOWN OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP and
make certain what the flow of traffic is.
 E. Classifications of Traffic Signal Lights.
1. Traffic Control Signals.
These are signal lights
designed primarily to
control and regulate
traffic flows.
2. Special Pedestrian
Signals. These signal
lights provides regulation
for pedestrian like the
''WALK'' and ''DO NOT
WALK'' signal lights.
3. Train 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 traffic ways where
special regulations are
emphasized like ''YIELD TO
VEHICLES COMING FROM
THE LEFT'', and other
similar regulations.
F. Traffic Signal Systems.

Traffic Signal Lights use different signaling

systems which vary according to the needs of
the traffic way.
1. The Fixed-time System. A traffic control
signal by which traffic is alternately
commanded to stop and permitted to
proceed in accordance with predetermined
time schedule.
2. Progressive System. There are use on
major arteries of a number of cities.
Signals at successive intersections along
the artery are timed to change from red
to green at staggered intervals,
permitting a vehicle that maintains a
constant speed to proceed without
interruption under normal circumstances.
3. Computerized Control of Signal
Networks.
 Signal changes are ordered by the
demands of traffic and are directed by
computers that operate on the basis of
traffic information relayed from
vehicle sensors on the streets. In this
system, traffic detectors are placed at
several locations generally in the
pavement. A computer continuously
scans the traffic information from each
detector. the computer then selects
the best timing for each signal to
reduce traffic congestion and minimize
delays.
 Computerized Traffic Lights''Smart'' traffic
lights can sense and respond to traffic because
of a wire loop embedded in the road. Electric
current, run through the loop, creates a
magnetic field. When a car interferes with this
field, a signal is sent to a roadside traffic
computer. The computer monitors traffic flow,
coordinating a light change as soon as it is
safe.
 G. Specific Meaning of Traffic Lights.
 To attain more
effective and efficient
controlling of traffic,
each color of the
traffic light has
specific meaning and
traffic regulation.
1. Steady Red.
a. STOP at the designed
line.
b.Vehicles will
be crossing
from the
''other side''.
c. Expect
pedestrians to
cross at the
pedestrian
lane.
d. Unless
specified,you can
TURN RIGHT after
a FULL STOP to
clear traffic
coming from the
left.
2. Steady Green.
a. GO
b.Itis the turn of
the vehicles on
the other side to
STOP.
c. Pedestrians are not allowed to
cross the pedestrian lane in front
of you.
d. Unless specified, you can move up
to the middle section of the
intersection and make a left turn
when clear.
e. Vehicles GOING
STRAIGHT have
the right of way.

f. DO NOT
ANTICIPATE A
GREEN LIGHT.
3. Steady Green Arrow.
a. GO

b. Vehicles turning left can

do so.

c. On coming straight traffic

is still RED to give way for
the vehicles turning left.

d. DO NOT ANTICIPATE A
GREEN ARROW.
4. Steady Yellow.
a. PREPARE TO STOP
b. It is the turn of
the vehicles on
the other side and
will be given the
GO signal shortly.
c. DO NOT BEAT A
YELLOW LIGHT.
5. Flashing Red.
a. This is the same as a
STOP SIGN.
b. STOP at the designated
line.
c. Vehicles will be crossing
from the ''other side''.
d. Expect pedestrians to
cross at the pedestrians'
lane.
6. Flashing Yellow.
a. This is the same as a
YIELD SIGN.
b. Proceed through the
intersection with
CAUTION.
c. You have the right of way
over a flashing RED LIGHT.
d. Vehicles on the other side
will proceed after coming
to a FULL STOP.
7. Steady Green and
Steady Left/Right
Arrow.
a. Vehicles can go
straight or vehicles
on the left lane
can make a left
turn.
b.Vehiclescan go
straight or
vehicles on the
right lane can
make a right
turn.
c. The RIGHT GREEN
signal might or
might NOT have a
road sign
dissallowing a right
turn while the RED
light is ON.