Trafiksignalering

Trafiksignalering, often referred to as traffic lights or traffic signals, is a system of visual devices used at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control the flow of traffic. These signals use colored lights, typically red, yellow (or amber), and green, to indicate when vehicles and pedestrians should stop, prepare to stop, or proceed.

The primary purpose of trafiksignalering is to enhance road safety by preventing collisions and to manage traffic congestion by regulating the movement of vehicles. Red lights indicate a mandatory stop, yellow lights warn that the signal is about to change to red, and green lights permit traffic to proceed if the way is clear. Pedestrian signals often use symbols of walking figures and hands to convey similar instructions.

Modern trafiksignalering systems can be fixed-time, operating on a pre-set schedule, or actuated, responding to real-time traffic conditions detected by sensors or push buttons. Advanced systems may incorporate adaptive traffic control, which uses algorithms to optimize signal timings dynamically based on traffic volume and flow. The implementation of trafiksignalering is a crucial aspect of urban planning and traffic management, contributing significantly to the efficiency and safety of transportation networks worldwide.