The primary purpose of traffic lights is to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce accidents caused by conflicting movements of vehicles. To learn more details about what traffic lights are, click here.
Traffic lights regulate vehicle and pedestrian traffic at intersections or busy road junctions in major cities and towns across Nigeria.
The 4 ways to use traffic lights in Nigeria are:
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Intersection Control
Traffic lights at intersections manage the flow of traffic coming from different directions. Each direction has a specific time interval during which it has the right of way, indicated by the green light. When the green light is on, vehicles from that direction can proceed through the intersection.
The yellow light is a warning, indicating that the light is about to change. The red light signals vehicles to stop, allowing other directions to move.
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Pedestrian Crossings
Traffic lights at pedestrian crossings facilitate safe crossing for pedestrians. When the pedestrian signal displays a “walk” symbol, pedestrians can cross the road. A flashing “don’t walk” or a steady “hand” symbol indicates that pedestrians should not cross or should finish crossing if they have started.
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Traffic Management
In areas with heavy traffic congestion, traffic lights help manage the flow of vehicles and reduce gridlocks. The timing of traffic light cycles is based on traffic patterns and peak hours to optimize traffic flow.
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Night-time Use
Traffic lights are usually equipped with sensors or timers that adapt to changes in traffic volume throughout the day. At night when traffic is lighter, some traffic lights might switch to a blinking mode. They operate as cautionary signals rather than full traffic control.
It’s important to note that the situation on the ground can vary in different regions of Nigeria. While traffic lights are common in urban centers, rural areas may have fewer traffic signals and traffic flow may be managed by other means, such as traffic police officers.
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