INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC LIGHT DAY 2023 | QUIZ

Every year on August 5th, International Traffic Light Day commemorates the installation of the first traffic signal system and highlights the importance of the traffic light.

The world’s first electric traffic signal was installed on August 5th, 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio. The traffic signal was placed on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street. Some people argue about the location of the world’s first traffic light. In 1868, a traffic device in London helped people know when to stop and when to use caution. Then, there is another argument that says in 1912, a police officer in Salt Lake City, Utah installed a wooden box with red and green lights onto a pole.

Despite these disputes, the date of August 5th, 1914 has remained the official date of the world’s first traffic signal. The different kinds of traffic signals have helped pedestrians, bicyclists, horseback riders, and streetcars navigate the roadways more safely. Through the years, the amount of traffic has increased in cities around the world. Increased traffic usually means more traffic lights. However, more traffic lights don’t necessarily mean less congestion. Sometimes, the traffic lights aren’t in sync. Also, green lights might be too short or too long.

Anywhere, installing a traffic light usually means an increase in population. Without these important lights, it simply would not be safe to drive. Not having traffic lights would also greatly reduce the flow and speed of traffic.

Let the traffic lights illuminate some fascination in us;

• The world’s first traffic light was installed in London in 1868. The gas-lit, manually operated signal exploded less than a month later, injuring the police officer who was operating it.
• In 1912, Lester Wire, a Salt Lake City police officer, developed an electronic “flashing birdhouse” traffic signal. He painted light bulbs red and green, mounted them on all sides of a wooden box, and connected the box to electric lines used for trolley cars. Wire continued to refine his invention, eventually developing a more durable, metal version.
• Until the 1920s, there were no yellow lights on traffic signals. In 1920, a Detroit police officer named William Potts added a yellow light to warn drivers that the light was about to change to red. The yellow light was patented in 1923 by Garrett Morgan, who eventually sold the patent to General Electric.

• The world’s oldest operating traffic signal can be found in Ashville, Ohio. Installed in 1932, it has been in use for nearly 90 years and now directs foot traffic inside Ohio’s Small-Town Museum.
• Red light has a longer wavelength than other colours, so it can be seen from farther away. This helps drivers hit the brakes a little sooner.
• Modern traffic lights have improved visibility and even a countdown timer. Countdown timers give people an estimate of how long to wait. 

• The LED traffic-light system is now commonly being used across the world as it offers better visibility in all types of conditions.
• In various countries, when there is no traffic light installed at a roundabout, the principle of ‘right of way’ is applied automatically.
• At traffic signals, drivers must switch off the engines of their cars while waiting for a red signal to turn to green. This not only helps save on fuel but also reduces vehicular emissions.