Unit 2: Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings Traffic Signals NV Driver Education Curriculum Unit 2: Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings Presentation 2 of 3

Signal Intersections Video See Rules of the Road video #7-Signal Intersections (California DMV) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJjhQyU0Wlw (2:53) Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing NOTE: some on YouTube, check access “Rules of the Road” image from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9H0yON1Xf0 Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability

Traffic Signals Traffic signals are used to control traffic by indicating who has the right of way. Standards lighting sequence: green – yellow – red – green If the traffic light is not working come to a FULL stop before proceeding through intersection yield to pedestrians and other traffic that have already stopped or are in the intersection Signal image from: http://www.freeclipartnow.com/transportation/traffic-lights/traffic-light-all.jpg.html Red light Image from: http://www.ctcnaples.com/Past_Activity.html Green Light image from: http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/mpo/fast/traffic_signals.cfm Retrieved: 12/23/09

Traffic Signal Video Click on web address to access video clips See RTC FAST Traffic Cameras http://www.nvfast.org/trafficcameras.html Select an intersection near you (i.e. Sahara & Rainbow) See NO traffic Lights video India Driving http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjrEQaG5jPM (2:13) See Intersection Dangers video Russia Intersection http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkAzq2kc5Lw (0:30) MUTE the loud music background Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing NOTE: some on YouTube, check access Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability

Red Light Red light means STOP Come to a complete stop Stop behind the crosswalk, stop bar or roadway edge line Do not enter the intersection You may make right turn (where not prohibited by signs) after stopping and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians Remain stopped until light turns green Image from: http://www.freeclipartnow.com/transportation/traffic-lights/traffic-light-red.jpg.html Retrieved: 12/23/09

Yellow light means CAUTION Warning that right of way is expiring Red light will follow immediately If already in the intersection continue moving If you have not entered the intersection, must stop DO NOT speed up to “beat the light” Image from: http://www.freeclipartnow.com/transportation/traffic-lights/traffic-light-all.jpg.html Retrieved: 12/23/09

Running Yellow Lights Video See 60 Second Driver video Running Amber Lights http://www.mpi.mb.ca/English/dr_tips/amberlights.html (0:60) Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability

Green Light Green light means GO (when it’s clear) Authorized to proceed Check traffic on left, center, right, and left again do not enter if other road users look as if they are not stopping Proceed when clear and safe When approaching a light that has been green for some time (stale green) be prepared for the light to turn yellow Image from: http://www.freeclipartnow.com/transportation/traffic-lights/traffic-light-green.jpg.html Retrieved: 12/23/09 94% of red-light runners do so within 2 seconds of light change

Flashing Lights FLASHING RED Same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop. Proceed when safe. FLASHING YELLOW Slow down. Proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop.

Arrows Arrows indicates traffic direction RED ARROW - Movement is not allowed in the direction of the arrow. YELLOW ARROW – Appears after a green arrow to indicate the light is about to change to red. Warning to clear the intersection GREEN ARROW – Traffic moving in the direction of the arrow may proceed if clear. When a green arrow is showing, the turn is protected from other traffic.

Lane Signals Special lights used over lanes on some highways and expressways Each light is a lane signal Different from the arrows that regulate turns RED “X” – Lane is closed. Do not drive in this lane. Traffic lane image from: http://www.curedale.com/categories/category/25 Retrieved: 12/29/08 YELLOW “X” – Lane signal is going to change. Exit the lane safely before the red “X” appears GREEN ARROW – Lane may be used.

“Dog House” Signals Display of 5 lights, allowing more vehicles to make left turns at intersections and keep traffic moving. YELLOW ARROW Protected left turn ending Sign image from: http://www.trafficsign.us/r10.html GREEN ARROW Protected left turn

Ramp meters improve motorist safety and traffic flow on freeways Pull vehicle to white line. Watch meter for signal. When signal turns green, one car per lane may enter freeway. Failing to stop at a ramp meter is a violation similar to running a red light. Image from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv3CHhsPN-Y Retrieved: 12/28/09

See Nevada RTC&DOT video Ramp Meter Video See Nevada RTC&DOT video Ramp Meters How To http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv3CHhsPN-Y (1:13) Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing NOTE: some on YouTube, check access Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability

Warning Signals Sign and signal lights Pedestrian walkway warning School zones and stop signs Pedestrian light image from: http://tti.tamu.edu/publications/researcher/newsletter.htm?vol=43&issue=3&article=7&year=2007 Walker image from: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/Projects/PublicProject.aspx?ProjectID=142 School zone image from: http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/traffic/ Stop sign image from: http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/08044/index.htm Retrieved: 12/28/09

Pedestrian Signals Pedestrian signals are mounted near traffic lights Signals may use words or symbols Some have countdown timers, flashing, and/or emit audible beeps (can be used to determine “stale” green lights) Hand & walker image from: http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/04091/04.htm “Walk” & “Don’t Walk” images from: http://signalfan.tripod.com/face.htm Walker (29) image from: http://www.downtowndc.org/programs/transportation/pedestrian_countdown_signals Hand (18) image from: http://iwritemyblogs.blogspot.com/

Did You Know Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963) was an African-American inventor who patented a type of traffic signal, in 1923. The Morgan traffic signal was a T-shaped pole unit that featured three hand cranked positions: Stop, Go, and an all-directional stop position. Morgan sold the traffic signal rights to General Electric Corporation for $40,000. Photo from: http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventors/a/Garrett_Morgan.htm Patent image from: http://inventors.about.com/od/weirdmuseums/ig/Inventive-Thinking/Traffic-Light-Patent.htm Retrieved: 12/28/09