How to Interpret a Three-Light Traffic Signal?
4 Answers
When encountering a traffic signal with three circular lights arranged horizontally while driving, the direction displaying a green light indicates permission to proceed, while a red light prohibits passage. In addition to the three circular signal lights mentioned above, there may also be arrow signal lights. The left arrow corresponds to left turns, the middle arrow to straight-through movement, and the right arrow to right turns. When needing to proceed, you may pass through the intersection when the light corresponding to your intended direction of travel displays green; directions showing red lights are prohibited from entry.
Red light means stop, green light means go, and yellow light is a warning signal. As someone who's often on the road, I must say these rules are the basics of driving. When the red light is on, you must come to a complete stop before the stop line, otherwise, you might cause an accident or get a ticket. Green light indicates it's safe to proceed, but you should still watch out for traffic and pedestrians. When the yellow light flashes, it signals that the light is about to turn red. If you're close enough to stop safely, you should stop; if you're too close and stopping might require a dangerous sudden brake, then proceed—the key is to make a careful judgment. Traffic lights are designed to maintain orderly traffic, with transition periods to prevent sudden changes. I recommend practicing predicting light changes regularly. During rush hours in the city when traffic is heavy, it's especially important to stay focused and avoid distractions. Safety first—don't take risks just to save time.
From a pedestrian's perspective, traffic lights are lifelines when crossing the street. When the red light is on, I obediently wait by the roadside and never jaywalk, as cars may not yield and accidents can happen easily; the green light is the signal to proceed, so I start walking while keeping an eye on both sides to ensure vehicles have indeed stopped. When the yellow light flashes, if I'm already crossing, I'll speed up to finish; if I've just started, I'll wait for the next green light. Many crosswalks have countdown timers for better time prediction, but observing the main three-light changes is sufficient otherwise. Pedestrians must also follow rules to protect themselves, especially teaching children the safety basics of stopping at red and going at green during school commutes.
When I first got my driver's license, my instructor emphasized the traffic light rules: red means a complete stop, green means go, and yellow is a warning. Handling yellow lights is crucial—if you rush through, you might cause a rear-end collision, so slow down if you need to stop. New drivers often get nervous, but staying calm is key. The yellow light only lasts a few seconds, so judgment must be sharp. Reduce speed before intersections and pay attention to the light sequence to minimize sudden braking.
