Understanding Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights

• Also known as traffic signals
• Used to control the flow of traffic and pedestrians at intersections
• Typically consist of three lights:
  • Red (stop)
  • Yellow (prepare to stop)
  • Green (go)

Types of Traffic Lights

• Standard traffic lights: found at most intersections
• Pedestrian traffic lights: used at crossings specifically designed for pedestrians
• Puffin crossings: a type of pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer
• Toucan crossings: a type of crossing that allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross

Traffic Light Sequences

• The standard sequence is:
  1. Red
  2. Red and yellow
  3. Green
  4. Yellow
  5. Red
• Some intersections may have additional sequences or variations, such as:
  • Filter arrows: indicate which lanes can turn
  • Countdown timers: display the time remaining to clear the intersection

Pedestrian Crossings

• Zebra crossings: marked with black and white stripes, pedestrians have priority
• Pelican crossings: similar to zebra crossings, but with traffic lights
• Puffin crossings: a type of pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer
• Staggered crossings: separate crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
• Toucan crossings: a type of crossing that allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross

Rules for Pedestrians

• Always use designated crossings
• Look out for and follow traffic lights and signals
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Be cautious when crossing near buses or large vehicles
• Use pedestrian refuges or islands when available

Rules for Drivers

• Obey traffic lights and signals
• Stop before the line at pedestrian crossings
• Give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings
• Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings
• Do not block pedestrian crossings or impede pedestrians' progress

Traffic Lights

• Also known as traffic signals, used to control the flow of traffic and pedestrians at intersections
• Typically consist of three lights: red (stop), yellow (prepare to stop), and green (go)

Types of Traffic Lights

• Standard traffic lights: found at most intersections
• Pedestrian traffic lights: used at crossings specifically designed for pedestrians
• Puffin crossings: pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer
• Toucan crossings: allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross

Traffic Light Sequences

• Standard sequence: red, red and yellow, green, yellow, and red
• Filter arrows: indicate which lanes can turn
• Countdown timers: display the time remaining to clear the intersection

Pedestrian Crossings

• Zebra crossings: marked with black and white stripes, pedestrians have priority
• Pelican crossings: similar to zebra crossings, but with traffic lights
• Staggered crossings: separate crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
• Toucan crossings: allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross

Rules for Pedestrians

• Always use designated crossings
• Look out for and follow traffic lights and signals
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Be cautious when crossing near buses or large vehicles
• Use pedestrian refuges or islands when available

Rules for Drivers

• Obey traffic lights and signals
• Stop before the line at pedestrian crossings
• Give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings
• Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings
• Do not block pedestrian crossings or impede pedestrians' progress