Final answer:
Turning left at a red light is generally illegal in Illinois, but it is permitted when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Traffic signals are installed to manage vehicle speeds, ensure pedestrian safety, and reduce accidents, with a compelling reason being a high number of accidents that exceed acceptable limits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Illinois, turning left on a red light is typically illegal, but there are exceptions where it is permitted. Turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street is an instance where a left turn on red is allowed, provided it is safe to do so and there are no signs explicitly prohibiting the turn. Such turns should be made with caution and an awareness of all traffic and pedestrian signals, as well as oncoming traffic.
Other instances such as responding to an emergency, specifically if you're driving a pregnant woman to the hospital during contractions, highlight that while generally, traffic laws should be followed, there are extreme circumstances that require immediate action for safety or to prevent harm. Even in emergencies, it is essential to proceed with caution to ensure that the action does not result in greater danger.
Traffic signals serve crucial roles in managing vehicle speed, pedestrian safety, and reducing accidents. Traffic accidents, pedestrian challenges, and speed control are significant reasons for installing traffic signals at intersections to increase overall safety.