Today it is very difficult to imagine traffic rules without the main tool for ordering traffic, which is a traffic light. It is designed to regulate and facilitate both car and pedestrian traffic. A distinction is made between different traffic light signals, depending on their function. Although they are similar to each other, they have certain nuances that must be remembered.

Traffic light: definition

A traffic light is an optical signaling device that is designed to control the movement of cars, bicycles and other vehicles, as well as pedestrians. It is used in all world states without exception.

Interesting! Previously, there was no green light in traffic lights in Japan. It was replaced by blue. But scientists have proven that green is more acceptable to human eyes.

Types of traffic lights

The most common are three-color traffic lights with round signals: red, yellow and green. Traffic rules in some countries require the use of orange traffic signals instead of yellow ones. Signals can be placed both vertically and horizontally. If no other special traffic lights or additional sections are provided, then they regulate the movement of all types of transport, as well as pedestrians. Next, we will look at the different types of traffic lights, from everyday to special ones.

Classic three-section traffic light

Such a traffic light has, as a rule, three colors, arranged in order: red, yellow, green - from top to bottom or from left to right. Such traffic lights are installed at intersections. They are designed for the simultaneous passage of all types of transport in all directions permitted by traffic rules. They are also installed at regulated pedestrian crossings located between intersections. It is allowed to install such a traffic light at a railway crossing in settlements, at the intersection of a road with tram tracks, in front of a cycle path and a carriageway. They can also be seen where there is a narrowing of the carriageway to allow oncoming traffic alternately.

Interesting fact!The first three-section traffic light was installed in Detroit in 1920.

Two-piece

Traffic lights with two sections are used to regulate the flow of traffic on the territories of industrial enterprises and organizations, as well as during the narrowing of the carriageway to organize a single-lane reverse traffic flow.

Single-section traffic light with yellow light

This one-color traffic light is found at unregulated intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Traffic lights with additional section

Traffic lights can be equipped with additional sectional sections with arrows or arrow contours. They regulate the movement of traffic in one direction or another. Such traffic lights work, according to traffic rules, as follows: the contours of the arrows on all signals of a conventional three-color traffic light means that its effect extends only in one indicated direction.

An additional section of a traffic light with a green arrow on a black background, according to traffic rules, allows passage, but does not provide advantages during the crossing. Sometimes you can find an always burning green signal, which is made in the form of a plate with a solid green arrow. This means, according to the traffic rules, that the turn is allowed, despite the prohibiting traffic signals.

Such traffic lights are installed in those places where it is necessary to organize conflict-free traffic at intersections. If a green light comes on at one of these traffic lights, then, crossing the intersection, you can not give way. To avoid emergency situations, personal traffic lights are placed above each lane, which show the direction of movement that is allowed from a particular lane.

Reversible traffic lights

To regulate traffic on the lanes of the carriageway, reversible traffic lights are used. These are special strip control knobs. At such traffic lights, from two to three signals can be placed: a red signal in the form of the letter "X" prohibits movement on a specific lane. The green arrow pointing down, on the contrary, allows movement. A diagonal yellow arrow signals that the lane mode has been changed and shows in which direction you need to leave it.

Traffic lights to regulate traffic across a pedestrian crossing

Usually such traffic lights have only two types of signals: the first one permits, the second one prohibits. As a rule, they correspond to green and red colors. The signals themselves can be of different shapes. Often they are depicted as a stylized silhouette of a person: standing red and walking green. For example, in America, the prohibitory signal is carried out in the form of a raised red palm, which means “stop”. Sometimes the inscriptions are used: red "stop" and green "walk". In other countries, respectively, in other languages.

On highways with busy traffic, traffic lights with automatic switching are installed. But there are times when you can switch the traffic light by pressing a special button, which allows you to cross the road for a certain time. For convenience, modern traffic lights are equipped with a digital time display. For blind people, sound devices are mounted in traffic lights.

To regulate the movement of trams

Tram traffic lights, as a rule, are placed in front of areas with limited visibility, long ups and downs, at the tram depot and in front of the switches. Tram signals are of two types: green and red. They are installed either to the right of the tracks, or they are hung in the center above the contact wire. Basically, such traffic lights notify tram drivers whether the path is busy further or not. They do not regulate the movement of other vehicles and are purely individual. Their work is built automatically.

Traffic lights: driving rules

Round flashing lights mean the following: a static green signal permits the movement of vehicles or pedestrians, and a flashing green signal of a traffic light means that a prohibitory signal will light up soon, but for the time being, movement is allowed.

Interesting fact!Residents of large cities generally spend about six months of their lives waiting for a permitting traffic signal.

What does a yellow traffic light mean? It warns that the prohibiting signal will be replaced by a permitting one or vice versa, and prohibits movement for the duration of its action. A flashing yellow traffic light means that the section of the road on which this traffic light is located is not regulated. If it is located at an intersection and operates in this mode, then the intersection is unregulated. Drivers are guided by those articles of the traffic rules, which stipulate the passage of unregulated intersections. A static and flashing red signal prohibits movement in any direction.

Red and yellow traffic light signals lit at the same time indicate that it is forbidden to move further, and the green light will soon turn on. The white-moon traffic signal informs that the signaling is in good order and you can continue driving. Such traffic lights are installed on tram and railway tracks.

Traffic light signals, which are in the form of arrows, mean the following: red, yellow and green arrows mean the same as round signals, only they act in a certain direction. An arrow that points to the left also allows a U-turn, if this does not prohibit the corresponding traffic sign next in priority.

The green arrow of the additional section has a similar meaning. If this signal is turned off, or the red outline is on, it means that movement in this direction is prohibited. If the main green signal has a black outline arrow, then this means that there are other directions of movement, besides those indicated by the additional section.

What is more important: a sign, traffic light or markings?

Traffic rules imply the following priority: the main one is the traffic controller, then the traffic light, then the sign and then the markings. The signals of the traffic controller are more important than traffic signals and the requirements of road signs. They are mandatory. All traffic signals, except for the flashing yellow, are more significant than traffic signs. All road users are obliged to follow the instructions of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic lights, signs and markings.

The German capital has a traffic light with thirteen signals. It is not so easy to immediately understand his testimony.

Traffic lights are optical devices that provide a light signal that regulates the movement of road, rail, water and other vehicles, including pedestrians.

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Traffic signals are regulated. And how does a traffic light work at a railway crossing, and how does it light up?

What is the name of

Traffic lights at a railway crossing are indicated by traffic lights or crossing signals.

What level crossings are installed

Light signaling devices at level crossings are installed in accordance with the Basic Requirements for Level Crossing Equipment.

Alarm devices are installed at crossings that involve bus traffic, as well as those located on the main track with a predominance of heavy train and road traffic, high speeds of railway transport, and unsatisfactory visibility conditions.

Traffic lights are located on the road on the right side of the traffic direction and consist of two horizontally positioned lanterns emitting an alternating blinking signal.

If on the section of the road where the crossing is located, poor visibility and heavy traffic prevail, then duplication of traffic lights on the opposite side of the roadway is allowed.

At some crossings, it is allowed to install a traffic light with two red lights, which, if the passage is prohibited, emit alternating blinking, and one white-lunar lamp, which emits a blinking signal.

Such a device is equipped mainly at unregulated level crossings with the absence of a responsible railway officer - a duty officer.

Additional installation of the white-moon lantern is approved by the Ministry of Railways.

Traffic lights operating in automatic mode have an adjustment that allows you to start giving a signal to prohibit the movement of vehicles for the period necessary for drivers to have time to free the crossing.

When the train enters the approximate part of the railway track, the traffic light emits a sound signal of the train and starts flashing alternately with red lights.

Once the level crossing is completely free of railway transport, the signaling devices are turned off.

In order to open the semi-automatic barrier and turn off the flashing traffic light, the crossing officer presses the "open" button.

Traffic light signaling at a level crossing with the presence of an employee on duty on the access and other track, where it is not possible to equip rails, the red flashing traffic light signal is turned on by pressing the corresponding button located on the level crossing device board

Where not provided

The presence of light signaling is provided for almost every crossing. However, if it is unprofitable to maintain a traffic light device at a certain crossing, it may simply not be there.

The main thing is that in this case certain conditions are met: good visibility, lack of traffic intensity from the side of the railroad bed and the road, etc.

Despite the fact that there is no traffic light value at railway crossings at the intersection of a railway and a highway, there must be mandatory warning signs and corresponding road markings.

Stop sign at a railway crossing with a traffic light

If there is a STOP sign and a traffic light at the crossing, then the priority is given to light signals.

For example, if a traffic light emits a red flashing signal, then movement on the crossing is prohibited and the driver must stop at the stop line or before the intersection of a railway and a road.

But when the traffic light does not emit any signals, the situation is much more confusing.

It seems that the traffic light allows passage, since it does not emit prohibitory signals, which means that you can go through the crossing without stopping, besides, the traffic light has an advantage over all passive signs.

However, the STOP sign means that movement without stopping is prohibited, that is, the driver must stop at the stop line or before crossing the railroad with the automobile.

There is no definite answer to this question in the Road Traffic Rules, therefore, analyzing situations that may be associated with a thoughtless crossing of a crossing, we can conclude that it would be more expedient to stop after all.

After all, a traffic light at a crossing can simply be broken and not emit prohibitory signals.

Before starting to move along the crossing and, accordingly, along the railway line, you should carefully assess the situation for the approach, the absence / presence of the train.

Such a stop can save the driver from instant death under the wheels of railway transport.

In addition, traffic police officers and inspectors have the right to fine the driver for a violation - not stopping at the request of the STOP sign, that is, to interpret the ambiguity of the situation in their favor.

Signal meaning

While driving on railway crossings, a controversial situation may arise in front of the driver related to equipment and traffic lights.

If you do not know the meaning of each signal emitted by this or that type of traffic light, the driver may fall under a violation and be liable to the fullest extent possible before the law. In some cases, such an oversight can lead to the death of innocent people.

It should be noted that the traffic light can be located at the crossing together with the sign "movement without stopping is prohibited".

Many drivers, seeing this sign, do not pay attention to the traffic light and stop before crossing.

However, if the traffic light does not emit prohibitory signals, then you do not need to stop at the request of such a sign. The stop should take place only when the traffic light is in the forbidden state.

Remember the following traffic light signals and their meanings:

• the switched on red signal means a ban on further movement of vehicles on the crossing;
• off red signal means permission for further movement on the crossing after careful inspection of the railway tracks for the presence of a train;
• the switched on red signal, the switched off white-lunar signal, means that vehicles are prohibited from moving on the crossing;
• the off red signal, the on white-lunar signal, means that you can move through the crossing;
• off red signal, off white-lunar signal, means that the crossing signaling device is faulty or is in off mode.

Red light

Traffic lights are of two types:

• three-section. With flashing red lights, crossing the level crossing is prohibited. Stop in front of the stop line or in front of the corresponding sign. With a white signal of a three-section traffic light, movement on the crossing is allowed;
• two-section. With alternating flashing red lights, movement on the level crossing is prohibited. If the crossing does not emit any lighting, then the passage is allowed.

Both of these types are intended to inform the driver about the possibility of moving on a railway crossing.

Flashing

The flashing of one red signal or two alternately flashing signals of the semaphore, which is installed at the level crossing, inform the driver that further movement on the level crossing is prohibited (Rules of the road, clause 6.2).

White-lunar

The flashing of the white-moon signal located at the railway crossings gives permission for the movement of vehicles on the crossing.

If it is turned off, regardless of the color emitted when turned on (white-lunar, red), it is allowed to move, but upon preliminary inspection of the railway track for the presence of railway transport.

It turns out that you can move along the crossing:

• with a flashing moon-white traffic light located at the crossing;
• when the white-moon and red traffic lights are off.

If we talk about traffic lights located directly on the railroad bed and designed to perform shunting operations by trains and trains, then two alert colors are subdivided:

• moon-white color allows shunting operations;

White

If a white light flashes at the level crossing, it means that all technical level crossing systems are in good working order. The flashing of the moon-white lantern does not mean that the passage is cleared.

Other colors

And there are also other light signals:

• green color allows the composition to dissolve at the set speed;
• yellow color allows the composition to dissolve at the lowest speed;
• simultaneously yellow and green color allows the composition to be dissolved at a speed equal to the interval between the set and the lowest speed limit;
• red prohibits the dissolution of the composition.

The railway traffic light is designed to regulate the movement of railway, shunting trains. And also with the help of them, the speed indicators are regulated when dissolving from the sorting humps.

The light signals of such traffic lights mean:

• red lighting says that railway transport is obliged to stop traffic;
• yellow lighting allows movement when using a reduced speed (from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, depending on territorial conditions) until approaching the next traffic light, the driver must be ready to stop;
• green lighting allows movement at set speeds and indicates the freeness of two or more block sections (automatic blocking) or the entire stretch (semi-automatic blocking);
• flashing moon white lighting together with a burning red, it is considered permissive for movement, subject to precautionary measures, while the speed should not exceed 20 kilometers per hour, the driver must be ready to stop immediately if an obstacle occurs;
• flashing yellow lighting with a burning yellow lamp, it allows movement with indicators of the set speed, informs about the opening of the next traffic light and about deviations along the turnouts;
• double yellow lighting allows movement at reduced speed indicators, informs about the closure of the next traffic light and about deviations along the turnouts;
• single flashing amber light allows movement with the set speed indicators, informs about the opening of the next traffic light and about a decrease in the speed indicator.

Travel rules

Each driver, approaching a crossing, must remember all the traffic rules associated with the passage of railway tracks, including the signals emitted by traffic lights.

Traffic lights located at level crossings consist of two red lights arranged horizontally. A white lantern is located between or below these red lanterns.

Every driver should know what any signal emitted by a traffic light at a railway crossing means:

• if two red lights flash alternately, then you cannot move along the crossing. The alternating flashing of red lights works in conjunction with audible alarms, if any, at the crossing.
• if the white light flashes alternately, the technical level crossing system is working properly. It turns out that the white-moon lantern is not considered decisive in prohibiting or allowing movement on the crossing.

What to do if the semaphore is broken and not working

If the traffic light is working properly, then, as mentioned above, when the lights are on, all priority signs are canceled. Passive signs are markings applied to the roadway, and traffic lights are active.

Traffic lights are called active devices due to signal changes, as opposed to markings, which constantly indicate the same rule.

In the case of a working signal at a traffic light emitted by red lighting, it is the semaphore that should be guided.

If the traffic light is off, then you should pay attention to the markings, namely, stop in front of the “STOP” sign and make sure that there is no train on the track.

Penalties for driving on a red light

Traffic lights are installed at almost every level crossing, and sometimes a light device is located in conjunction with a barrier.

Passage is allowed only if the barrier is open (if any) and the traffic light does not flash red.

Movement on the level crossing will also be prohibited if the attendant is present at the level crossing and by special signs that prohibit passage given by him.

The punishment for crossing a railway track in the presence of a traffic light, alternately flashing red, will be a fine in the amount of 1 thousand rubles or deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for a period of three to six months. Overtaking on the tracks is also prohibited.

This violation is considered the most serious, which poses a threat to the health and life of citizens. In this regard, such a severe punishment is provided.

6.2. Round traffic signals have the following meanings:

- Green signal allows movement;

With a green traffic light signal, movement in any direction is allowed, unless additional restrictions are imposed by signs and markings (Fig. 42). When driving on a road that has more than one lane in one direction, it is necessary to take into account the so-called "lane rule" (clause 8.5 of the Rules).

A green flashing signal allows movement and informs that its duration expires and a prohibition signal will soon be turned on (digital displays can be used to inform drivers about the time in seconds remaining until the end of the green light); (Fig. 43)

A green flashing light, like a green continuous light, allows movement. Etc. when deciding whether to stop or continue driving, you should take into account that it usually takes 3-4 seconds from the start of flashing before the yellow signal turns on, as well as the distance that your vehicle travels in 1 second. For a rough estimate of this distance, divide your current speed (km / h) by ten and multiply by three.

If you are not sure that you can enter an intersection with a permit signal, then slow down and stop.

The yellow signal prohibits movement, except for the cases provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules, and warns of the impending change of signals; (Fig. 44)

The yellow signal, included after the red one, always prohibits movement. If yellow, the signal is turned on after green, then in exceptional cases, when it is necessary to resort to emergency braking to stop the movement, the Rules (clause 6.14) are allowed to continue driving.

A yellow flashing signal allows movement and informs about the presence of an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing, warns of danger; (Fig. 45)

- A red signal, including a blinking one, prohibits movement, (Article 12.12 of the Administrative Code) (Fig. 46)

The combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming switching on of the green signal. (Fig. 47)

6.3. Traffic light signals, made in the form of arrows in red, yellow and green, have the same meaning as the round signals of the corresponding color, but their effect only applies to the direction (s) indicated by the arrows. In this case, the arrow, allowing a left turn, also allows a U-turn, if this is not prohibited by the corresponding road sign.

The green arrow in the additional section has the same meaning. The off signal of the additional section means the prohibition of movement in the direction regulated by this section.

In this paragraph of the Rules, we are talking about two types of traffic lights.

First- directional traffic lights. They have arrows on all three lenses of the main signals (Fig. 48). Directional traffic lights regulate traffic in each lane over which they are located, making it easier for drivers to orientate. Their signals are similar to those of a regular traffic light.

The second type of traffic lights- these are traffic lights with additional sections (Fig. 49). Movement in the direction of the arrow included in the additional section is allowed only when it is switched on. However, if the green arrow in the additional section is turned on simultaneously with the red signal of the main section of the traffic light, then you should give way to vehicles moving from other directions (clause 13.5 of the Rules).

6.4. If a black outline arrow (arrows) is marked on the main green traffic light, it informs drivers about the presence of an additional section of the traffic light and indicates other permitted directions of movement than the signal of the additional section.

Such a black contour arrow is used to exclude an erroneous turn or U-turn at night, when the switched off additional section may not be visible to the driver.

6.5. If the traffic signal is made in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian (bicycle), then its effect applies only to pedestrians (cyclists). In this case, the green signal permits, and the red prohibits the movement of pedestrians (cyclists).

To regulate the movement of cyclists, a traffic light with round signals of a reduced size can also be used, supplemented by a white rectangular plate measuring 200 x 200 mm with a black bicycle.

6.6. To inform blind pedestrians about the possibility of crossing the carriageway, traffic light signals can be supplemented with a sound signal.

6.7. To regulate the movement of vehicles along the lanes of the carriageway, in particular those in which the direction of movement can be reversed, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped reversing signal and a green signal in the form of an arrow pointing down are used. These signals respectively prohibit or permit movement in the lane over which they are located.

"Reverse" translated from Latin is reverse. To increase the capacity of roads on the carriageway, a lane or several lanes can be allocated, the direction of movement along which is changed depending on the intensity of the traffic flow. Such lanes are called reversible, they are distinguished by a double dashed marking line 1.9 and a reversible traffic light is installed above each of them.

Driving is prohibited only in the lane above which there is a reversing traffic light with a red X-shaped signal on (Fig. 50).

The main signals of a reversing traffic light can be supplemented with a yellow signal in the form of an arrow tilted diagonally down to the right or left, the activation of which informs about the impending change of the signal and the need to change to the lane indicated by the arrow. (Fig. 51)

The use of this signal allows you to speed up the release of the reversing lane and reduces the time required to change the direction of traffic.

When the signals of the reverse traffic light are turned off, which is located above the lane marked on both sides with markings 1.9, entry into this lane is prohibited. (fig. 52)

6.8. To regulate the movement of trams, as well as other route vehicles moving along the lane allocated for them, one-color traffic lights with four round signals of a white-moon color arranged in the form of the letter "T" can be used. Movement is allowed only when the lower signal and one or more upper ones are turned on simultaneously, of which the left one allows movement to the left, the middle one - straight ahead (Fig. 53), the right one - to the right (Fig. 54 and 55). If only the top three signals are on, then movement is prohibited.

Modern traffic lights, according to traffic rules, can have four different signals. Three of them are well known even to young children - red, yellow and green, but traffic controllers with an area of ​​light moon color may be encountered.

Traffic signals, depending on the purpose, are round, x-shaped, include drawings of bicycles, arrows and silhouettes of pedestrians.

Often these devices are equipped with one or two sub-areas with a green arrow alert placed at the level of the circular signal.

Depending on the purpose of the traffic light, there are two types of them: for cars and pedestrians. The signal device in the circle format includes three sections - red, green and yellow. It adjusts the movement in all possible directions. These signal poles with rounded color elements can also accommodate additional sections, often located in the green signal segment. The arrows on these sub-sections point to a side to travel that is different from the main area of ​​the green traffic light (often there is an arrow pointing left and right there).

Appropriate types of devices are used to regulate the movement of pedestrians and citizens on bicycles. In order to distinguish where a traffic light is, images of a person walking and standing in place are applied on its lenses. These traffic controllers are presented in two sections. A red signal, which is prohibiting, is given by the upper part, and the lower part, which allows movement, respectively, is given a green signal.

Movements on the reversible part of the road are regulated by an X-shaped traffic light. This area of ​​the carriageway has road mark 1.9.

Three departments of the regulator may have the following designations:

• green signal gives permission for further movement;
• flickering green allows movement and informs that its validity period is ending, and a prohibiting notification will soon turn on (in order to let the motorist know about the length of time measured in seconds that remains until the green signal flickers, it is possible to use a digital display);
• yellow light indicates a prohibition of movement, with the exception of situations that are described in paragraph 6.14 of the traffic rules, and gives a warning that signals will change soon;
• flashing yellow allows movement and informs about the danger and that the zebra or intersection is in an unregulated state;
• a red signal, as well as a red blinking one, indicates that the movement is not allowed.

When the red and yellow markings are combined, it symbolizes the prohibition of movement and notifies of the imminent inclusion of green.

The cyclic mode of operation of traffic lights is adjusted so that the intersection of pedestrian and transport traffic in a one-time phase is excluded. This means that when a permitting signal for one movement appears, then for the second direction that intersects with it, there will be a signal indicating that the movement is prohibited.

Yellow and red signals at traffic lights do not allow movement, while green signals, on the contrary, give the go-ahead.

The green color without any additional compartments allows the direction of movement in any direction in the situation when no other restrictive measures in the form of signs or markings have been introduced. For example, if a traffic light is installed near an intersection, then a prohibitory sign 3.19 may be located nearby - a U-turn is prohibited, or, for example, one of the corresponding signs that allow movement in one direction indicated on the corresponding sign.

A yellow traffic light carries information that signals will change and traffic is prohibited, with the exception of the moments that are prescribed by paragraph 6.14 of the SDA.

At night, three-color traffic lights are often turned off and turn into a yellow flashing mode. In this case, this part of the road regulated by this device is controlled by road signs. When the movement of traffic lights on the roadway is coordinated and the flashing yellow flare is activated, then this intersection will be unregulated, and drivers should rely on the peculiarities of crossing intersections without regulation and traffic rules regarding the established signs.

The red light, as well as the red starting blinking, and the combination of yellow and red, indicate the prohibition of movement. When yellow and red are combined, it informs drivers of the nearest green signal. And a red flashing traffic light sign is always installed at intersections near the railway.

Signals in traffic lights, which look like arrows of three different colors, have the same meaning as the corresponding round signals, but they differ in that their effect is provided only for the selected direction. Keep in mind that the arrow that allows movement to the right also allows a U-turn, unless, of course, this is prohibited by a sign at the side of the road that corresponds to this.

This designation also has a green arrow in the additional section. When the signal of an additional section is activated or its red light circuit is deactivated, this indicates a ban on movement in the direction that this section controls.

On the traffic controllers, showing the direction of movement on their 3 lenses of signals, arrows are drawn, they are engaged in coordinating the movement of the lanes above which such traffic lights are located. This type of traffic lights corresponds to a conventional device, the difference of which is its effect exclusively on a certain lane or a group of them. During the signal of the additional section of the traffic light, you can move along the side of the direction of the arrow, if it is naturally on. In this case, it is necessary to follow this rule: when the green arrow of the additional area works parallel to the red arrow in the main section of the traffic light, then when driving, it is worth giving way to a car moving in the other direction. So it is prescribed by clause 13.5 in the SDA.

When there is a black arrow outline on the main green traffic light section, it informs drivers about the presence of an additional section, which gives indications of admission in other directions of movement.

In the daytime, the additional section of the traffic light is clearly visible, and in the dark period of the day it merges with the corresponding background that surrounds it, which can falsely testify to drivers about its presence at the traffic light.

The green signal on the regulator allows movement for pedestrians and bicycle owners, while red prohibits it. To streamline the movement of passengers on bicycles, sometimes they use devices with reduced round lenses or a rectangular white sign where a black bicycle is drawn.

Regulators for cyclists and ordinary passengers are divided into two sections, which depict a human silhouette and a bicycle. The upper, red section prohibits movement, and the lower, green section permits.

But why, why, why
Was the traffic light green?
And because, because, because,
That he was in love with life.

© Zinoviev N.N.

A traffic light (from Russian light and Greek φορός - "carrier") is an optical device that carries light information. We all know from childhood that traffic signals are red, yellow and green, and sometimes blue and moon-white. Red light prohibits movement, yellow light is usually a warning signal that attracts attention, and green, blue and white signals allow movement. Why are these colors used in traffic lights to control traffic around the world?

In 1868, the English inventor John Peak Knight proposed using a device similar to a railway semaphore to regulate traffic in London near the British Parliament building. During the day, the signals "stop" and "move with caution" were indicated by arrows that could take different positions, and in the evening, a rotating gas lamp was used for the same purposes, with the help of which, respectively, red and green signals were supplied.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first electric traffic lights began to be installed in America, first with two signals - red and green, and then a yellow signal was added to them. In the USSR, the first traffic light was installed in 1930, but instead of the usual green signal, then blue was used. In addition, until 1959, when the USSR joined the International Convention on Road Traffic and the Protocol on Road Signs and Signals, the colors of the traffic lights were in reverse order - the top was green and the bottom was red.

Of course, these traffic light colors were not chosen by chance. The choice was influenced by several factors, one of which is the psychology of human perception of various colors. Red is traditionally considered a warning of danger, and green, on the contrary, is the color of life and tranquility.

But one of the main reasons for this choice of colors is the dependence of the degree of light scattering on its wavelength. According to Rayleigh's law, the degree of light scattering is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength. This means that short-wave radiation - blue and violet - is scattered more strongly. And red, as a color with a longer wavelength, will therefore be visible from a greater distance. Obviously, the most important is the warning of danger and the prevention of emergencies, therefore the stop signal is indicated in red. For the same reason (the degree of scattering), the blue signal, as having a shorter wavelength and scattering more strongly, gave way to green.

Surprisingly, in Japan, a green traffic light is called blue. The fact is that when the first street traffic lights appeared in Japan, the signals in them were red, yellow and blue. Over time, the blue lenses of traffic lights were replaced by green ones, but the custom of calling the traffic permitting signal “blue” remained. The peculiarity of the Japanese language is that, therefore, the Japanese call many green objects blue.