Before a driver can get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, they must first pass a written test wherein soon-to-be licensed drivers must properly identify traffic signs and signals. It is important for drivers to know how to react to certain signs and signals as those indicators are used to control the flow of traffic and prevent car collisions.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, more than 25,000 collisions were caused by drivers who disobeyed traffic signs and signals. More than 35 fatal collisions in Oklahoma were caused by a driver who failed to yield.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a careless driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our experienced auto accident attorneys can help you fight for your right to fair and just compensation.
The worlds first traffic light was not installed until the mid-1800s in London, England. In the United States a Salt Lake City man was the first to invent an electric traffic light using red and green and in 1920 another man added the yellow light.
Traffic signs and signals are something all drivers are used to seeing and most understand how important it is to follow them. Unfortunately not all drivers obey traffic signs and signals which is often a cause of a car accident. Many collisions caused by negligent drivers who failed to obey a traffic sign or signal occur on intersections.
Traffic lights were created as a way to control the flow of traffic and signal which vehicles had the right of way. Most traffic signals are run on a timing system that is determined by figuring out how much time pedestrians need to cross the road as well as the traffic flow of that area. The time of day can also be used to determine how quickly or slowly a light will change.
Some types of traffic signs and signals include:
Standard traffic lights Basic red, yellow, green lights that may include turning signals.
Flashing traffic lights Some traffic lights are pedestrian activated and will flash green until a pedestrian activates it in order to cross. Some traffic lights may also flash yellow which means proceed with caution and others flash red which often mean drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding. When standard traffic lights go out they will likely flash yellow but some may flash red.
Warning Signs These signs warn motorists of an upcoming curve, slippery road surface, construction zones, railroad crossings, no passing zones, and more.
Guide Signs Often found on highways and interstates these can guide motorists in the direction of food, gas, rest stops, and places of interest. These signs are usually brown, blue, or green. Signs indicating exits and distance until next exits are also considered guide signs.
Regulatory Signs Speed limit, yield and merge signs, parking signs, and stop signs are all used to regulate motorists.
Failing to obey these signs and signals in most states is illegal so drivers may be charged with fines if caught disobeying traffic signs and signals. Furthermore, when drivers choose to blatantly heed these regulations and warnings they put themselves and other motorists at risk of being involved in a crash.
Although some drivers blatantly disregard such signs and signals others may be under the influence, driving while distracted, or even fatigued which can lead to their careless.
When a driver fails to adhere to the signs and signals posted up by the state, they are endangering the lives of all those around them. Traffic signs and signals were created to help the public and when a driver fails to obey them, it often leads to disaster. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle collision by a negligent driver and the victim is seeking legal counsel, our attorneys can help.
With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, the Tulsa personal injury attorneys at the Edwards Law Firm are committed to helping accident injury victims fight for the compensation we deserve. We are well-versed in auto accident claims and can help guide you through the entire litigation process.
To find out how we may be able to help you with your claim, contact us at 1-800-304-9246. One of our intake staff members will connect you with one of our attorneys to further discuss your claim.
