Traffic signals are designed to direct people safely in order to avoid collision and allow pedestrians to cross. Traffic signals are usually seen above an intersection, but can also be on the side of the street. Knowing what each color represents is necessary to follow traffic and obey the rules of the road.
Stop. A fixed, circular red light means stop. A vehicle is unable to proceed until the light changes to green. A right turn on red is allowed unless a sign is posted saying otherwise. Before turning on red the driver must check for other vehicles in their path, as well as pedestrians attempting to cross.
Get ready to stop if a light is flashing yellow or is a steady yellow. The light is going to change to red. If you're in the intersection, proceed slowly. If you're not quite at the intersection, it is best to stop.
Go. A green light signals that a vehicle may continue. Follow safe driving rules when turning on green if there isn't an arrow. Check for oncoming cars or pedestrians before proceeding.
Move only the direction the arrow points to. A one-way street sign is usually black and white and alerts traffic to continue in only the direction pointed. All cars are traveling the same way. Violating this rule could result in a collision.
Proceed with caution when a yield sign is present. Traffic is moving and the vehicle is blending in with moving cars. Yield to traffic before pulling onto a highway.
Halt when a railroad sign is present and a gate goes down, it means a train is on the way. A circular yellow sign with a black X across marked R & R means to look out for the railroad crossing.
Walk or don't walk. Pedestrians must follow traffic rules too. Signals to cross or not are displayed in words, by pictures or both on the side of the road. A person walking means to walk safely; a hand palm faced up means to stop.
