liiklusvalgud

Liiklusvalgud, commonly known as traffic lights, are signaling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control competing flows of traffic. They typically consist of three colored lights: red, yellow (or amber), and green. The red light indicates that vehicles must stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk. The yellow light serves as a warning that the red light is about to appear, and drivers should prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. The green light signifies that traffic facing the signal may proceed, provided it is safe and clear.

The primary purpose of traffic lights is to improve road safety and traffic flow efficiency. By regulating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, they reduce the likelihood of collisions at intersections. They also help to manage congestion by allocating right-of-way to different traffic streams in a systematic manner. The timing of these signals is often coordinated to create "green waves," allowing vehicles traveling at a certain speed to pass through multiple intersections without stopping.

Traffic lights can also incorporate pedestrian signals, which typically use symbols of a walking person (green) to indicate it is safe to cross and a raised hand (red) to indicate that crossing is prohibited or that the crossing time is ending. In some cases, flashing yellow lights are used to indicate caution, and flashing red lights function similarly to a stop sign. The design and operation of traffic lights are standardized to ensure clarity and consistency for drivers and pedestrians worldwide.