Straßensignale

Straßensignale, often referred to as traffic signals or traffic lights, are crucial signaling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control conflicting flows of traffic. Their primary purpose is to ensure safety and optimize traffic flow by assigning right-of-way at designated points. The most common type of Straßensignal consists of a set of colored lights, typically red, yellow (or amber), and green, arranged vertically or horizontally. Red indicates that traffic must stop, yellow warns that the signal is about to change to red, and green signifies that traffic facing the signal may proceed if the way is clear.

Beyond the standard three-color signals, Straßensignale can incorporate various other indications. These include flashing red lights, which function similarly to a stop sign, and flashing yellow lights, which indicate caution and permit traffic to proceed with reduced speed and careful observation. Pedestrian signals, often featuring illuminated figures of a walking person (green) and a raised hand (red), provide explicit instructions for pedestrians. In some regions, specific lanes may have lane-control signals, typically overhead, showing a green arrow to indicate a lane is open or a red 'X' to indicate the lane is closed.

The operation of Straßensignale can be fixed-time, meaning they cycle through their phases at predetermined intervals, or actuated, meaning they respond to the presence of vehicles or pedestrians detected by sensors. The timing and phasing of Straßensignale are carefully coordinated by traffic engineers to minimize delays and prevent congestion. Their effective implementation is fundamental to the safe and efficient operation of modern transportation networks.