Traffic lights are installed at important junctures to allow smooth and safe passage to commuters. Everyone is aware that these lights come in three colours – yellow, red and green.
Red light indicates that your vehicle needs to stop. Yellow means you are ready to move ahead while green allows you to go forward.
But do you know why?
The first non-electric gas-lit traffic lights were installed outside the Houses of Parliament in London, 9 December 1868 to control the traffic in Bridge Street, Great George Street, and Parliament Street.
They were proposed by the railway engineer J. P. Knight of Nottingham who had adapted this idea from his design of railway signalling systems. However, it exploded 2 January 1869 as a result of a leak in one of the gas lines underneath the pavement and injured the policeman who was operating it. At that time only two colours were used in traffic lights.
The first safe automatic electric traffic lights were installed in the United States in the year 1890. Since then, traffic lights can be seen in every corner of the world.
But why are only red, yellow and green used in traffic signals? Well, red is thicker in comparison to other colours. It is visible from a distance and use of red also indicates danger ahead, making the driver anxious.
Yellow is used in traffic lights because this color is considered as a symbol of energy and the sun. This color suggests that you are absorbing your own energy to walk on the road again.
Green is considered as a symbol of nature and peace. This colour is used in traffic lights because it is the opposite of danger. This colour relaxes the eyes and offers safe passage for commuters.
PNN/Agencies
