What is the three-word mnemonic for traffic lights?
3 Answers
The three-word mnemonic for traffic lights is 'Red light stop, green light go, yellow light wait.' First, understand the traffic conditions at traffic lights: when the red light is on, the intersection is prohibited from passing; when the green light is on, the intersection is allowed to pass; when the yellow light is on, vehicles that have not passed the stop line are also prohibited from passing under the current new traffic regulations. Therefore, to pass through an intersection with traffic lights, you must drive through when the light is green; otherwise, you may be penalized. There are two types of traffic lights: full-circle traffic lights and arrow-shaped traffic lights. Full-circle traffic lights: When passing through such an intersection, you need to wait until the light turns green to proceed straight, turn left, turn right, or make a U-turn, provided there are no prohibitions for left turns, right turns, or U-turns on the road. If there is no prohibition against turning right on red, you can directly turn right at the intersection. Arrow-shaped traffic lights: When each direction has its own arrow light, you must wait for the green light in your direction of travel before passing through the intersection.
When I was young and just learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized the three-word traffic light mantra: stop, look, go — stop steadily at red lights without rushing, pass safely at green lights, and when the yellow light comes on, carefully observe the surroundings before proceeding. This mantra may seem simple, but practicing it can be life-saving, such as during rainy days when roads are slippery. Remembering to watch the lights without distraction helps avoid rear-end collisions or hitting pedestrians. Now, after years of driving, I still follow this habit, combined with blind spot checks, ensuring peace of mind at every intersection. This is the core of traffic rules, benefiting both new and experienced drivers alike. It reminds us to stay focused on driving and not let phones or music distract us.
Having driven for over a decade, I've realized how crucial the three-word traffic light mantra 'Stop, Go, Wait' is. Waiting at yellow lights instead of rushing through requires careful judgment. In dense urban traffic, this mantra has helped me avoid countless minor accidents, such as smoothly decelerating on snowy days. Combined with other knowledge like speed control, it reduces the risk of sudden braking, protecting both myself and others. Regularly reviewing the driving manual ensures the mantra never becomes outdated. Safety comes first—never neglect it for the sake of saving time.
