By Sorie Rahman Sesay
In every walk of life, there is a different form of communication that is understood by people in that field; therefore, the field of driving is not an exception. Traffic lights and road signs, symbols and writings that serve as universal language meant to be understood by drivers and pedestrians. Failing to understand or adhere to these signs, symbols and writing will render one into serious problems. Road signs and traffic lights are two different aspects that are aiming at the same goal. The importance and difference of both will be discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
Traffic lights are signalling devices used to control the flow of traffic at intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations. They use a universal colour code: red for “stop,” green for “go,” and yellow (or amber) for “caution” or “prepare to stop.” These lights help to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, prevent accidents, and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Traffic lights are important because they prevent traffic flow. Based on poor construction, the roads of Freetown are tight and as a result of that people suffer road congestion (traffic). The installation of traffic lights has remedy the situation. Traffic lights enhance the free movement of vehicles.
Another importance is that traffic lights reduce high rate of car crash and accident. The absence of traffic lights leads to the recklessness of drivers driving however they putting peoples’ lives in danger. According to Abdul, a man with 20–years of driving experience, “50% of drivers in Sierra Leone do not know the traffic and road signs.”
Pedestrian safety is another importance that cannot be left out when mentioning the importance of traffic lights. Pedestrians are people who walk along and across the road. The institution of traffic lights helps them know when to cross and when not to cross. People have lost their lives because of lack of understanding or lack of traffic lights.
Order and safety are other vital points regarding traffic lights. It is a way of regulating drivers, riders, and pedestrians in order to enhance safety. Without traffic lights there will be possible dangers people will be exposed to.
Road signs are visual signals placed along roads to provide important information, instructions, or warnings to drivers and pedestrians. They help regulate traffic, ensure road safety, and guide people to their destinations. Road signs are typically standardized in terms of shapes, colors, and symbols to make them easily recognizable and understandable across different regions.
Safety They warn drivers and pedestrians of potential hazards, helping to prevent accidents and save lives.
Regulation – Road signs indicate rules, such as speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs, guiding drivers on how to behave to avoid penalties and collisions.
Direction and Navigation – Signs provide directions to destinations, helping drivers and pedestrians reach their locations easily and minimizing confusion.
Traffic Flow — They manage the movement of vehicles, reducing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic flow.
Awareness — Road signs inform drivers of changes in road conditions, construction zones, or detours, allowing them to adjust accordingly.
Legal Compliance — They help enforce traffic laws and regulations, making roads more orderly and preventing reckless driving.
Difference between Road signs and traffic lights.
The difference between road signs and traffic lights lies in their purpose and method of communication:
Traffic lights are dynamic signaling devices placed at intersections or pedestrian crossings to control the flow of traffic. They use coloured lights (red, yellow, and green) to direct when vehicles and pedestrians should stop, proceed with caution, or go. Traffic lights are meant to manage the movement of traffic in real-time, ensuring orderly and safe flow, especially in busy areas.