Fleet safety tip: Traffic lights

Black History Month is here, and it is important to look at African American inventor, Garret Morgan; he had invented one of the most recognizable and useful pieces of road safety equipment ever: The traffic light. According to AAREG, Garrett Morgan was one of the first to apply and receive a permit, which was granted on November 20, 1923. Even with traffic lights, however, according to the NHTSA, 36% of all traffic accidents occur in intersections. These tips should help fleet drivers reduce that number.

Driver safety tips when encountering traffic lights

Driving through green lights

Always keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists as you travel through a traffic light at the posted speed limit.

Stopping at yellow lights

Determine if you can stop safely behind the white line. If stopping would cause a collision, then proceed through the yellow light at the posted speed limit.

Stopping at red lights

Brake slowly and thoroughly before you reach the traffic light. Come to a complete stop so that you can see either the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you or the white line under the traffic light. Do not drive through any red lights.

Turning right on a red light

Only do so if legal, look for signs that say, “No turn on red.” Come to a complete stop first, and then look for crossing pedestrians before proceeding.

Always use turn signals

Even in a designated turn lane, it is essential to use turn signals for other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

We thank Garret Morgan and his efforts in making the roadways much safer for every vehicle on the road. Fleet drivers are constantly entering intersections with traffic lights, and with these tips, we can reinforce the safety that he established in 1923.