How to Understand Traffic Signal Lights?
2 Answers
Traffic signal lights are divided into two types: arrow indicator lights and circular lights. When the circular light is red, going straight and turning left are prohibited, but turning right is allowed; when it's green, you can go straight or turn left or right. Arrow indicator lights should be followed according to the direction of the arrow. Below are the traffic signal light rules: 1. Straight intersections: Straight intersections only use one set of traffic lights. When the light is red, straight movement stops; when it's green, straight movement is allowed. For intersections where U-turns are permitted, U-turns can be made at either red or green lights, but some places may specifically mark "U-turn when red light is on" for safety, in which case U-turns can only be made when the light is red. 2. T-intersections: T-intersections generally include three situations, represented by types A, B, and C below. (1) Type A: U-turn vehicles do not depend on traffic lights, but must ensure safety when turning left; straight-moving vehicles follow the traffic lights; right-turning vehicles also do not depend on traffic lights. (2) Type B: U-turn vehicles do not depend on traffic lights, but must ensure safety when turning left; left-turning vehicles follow the traffic lights; right-turning vehicles also do not depend on traffic lights. (3) Type C: U-turn vehicles do not depend on traffic lights, but must ensure safety when turning left; left-turning vehicles follow the traffic lights; right-turning vehicles also do not depend on traffic lights. 3. Cross intersections: Cross intersections are equipped with at least two sets of traffic lights, usually arrow-type. U-turn vehicles do not depend on traffic lights but must ensure safety when turning left; straight-moving vehicles follow the traffic lights; right-turning vehicles do not depend on traffic lights but must yield to straight-moving vehicles.
I just got my driver's license, and learning how to read traffic lights is the first step in driving. It's crucial to always stop at red lights and not try to rush through, as it means stop—there might be oncoming traffic from the opposite side, which is very dangerous. When the light turns green, I also make sure the intersection is safe before proceeding, as pedestrians or electric scooters might suddenly appear. A yellow light isn't a signal to speed up but to slow down or stop; many accidents happen because people misunderstand this. I usually check the light color early—if it's green when I'm about 100 meters away, I'll gradually approach the intersection to prepare, avoiding sudden braking. I've also learned to watch pedestrian signals; if they're flashing red or green, I know to yield to pedestrians. Remembering these rules has made me feel much more at ease while driving, preventing panic and mistakes.
