How to Observe Traffic Lights While Driving?
3 Answers
Generally, traffic signals are divided into two types: full-screen lights and arrow indicator lights. Arrow lights clearly indicate the direction, so driving must comply with their instructions. You can proceed when either the full-screen light or the arrow light turns green, but pay attention to the driving direction of your current lane to avoid going the wrong way. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already passed the stop line may continue driving, while those that have not crossed the stop line must stop. The yellow light primarily serves as a warning.
I remember when I first started driving, I always had to prepare in advance for traffic lights to avoid getting flustered. When the red light comes on, I stop steadily and maintain a safe distance to prevent sudden braking accidents. When the green light turns on, I start slowly without stomping on the accelerator, especially on wet roads or during overcast days with poor visibility. At yellow lights, I don’t hesitate—I slow down when needed and never rush through, as an oncoming car might suddenly appear. I also make a habit of observing traffic light patterns, like at certain intersections where red lights are short and green lights change quickly, requiring full focus without distractions like phones. In short, safety comes first—every new driver should develop these habits to protect themselves and others.
After driving for a long time, traffic lights become instinctive. When the light turns green, I accelerate smoothly to avoid crowding other cars. At red lights, I wait patiently, taking the chance to check the dashboard or take a sip of water. Yellow lights are warning signals; I never speed up to rush through, as I often see accidents caused by that momentary impulse. While waiting at red lights, I always observe the surroundings, like pedestrians crossing or electric bikes darting out, which helps avoid accidents. In complex urban traffic, signal timing varies. During rush hours, red lights are longer, but there's no need to get annoyed—just relax and listen to music. Regularly maintaining the car's lighting equipment is also important to ensure clear signals, a habit that makes driving safer.