Final answer:
The central theme of these narratives is the importance of pedestrian safety, the strict adherence to traffic regulations, and the role of traffic signals in promoting safe road environments for both drivers and pedestrians.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion revolves around pedestrian safety and the impact of traffic signals on both vehicle speed and pedestrian protection. In the first story, although Peter is annoyed by a driver adhering to the speed limit, it reflects the importance of following traffic laws to maintain road safety. In the second story, Jane's assistance to the man crossing the street emphasizes the need for pedestrian awareness and potentially adjusted traffic signal timings to accommodate different crossing speeds. Lastly, a model paragraph illustrates the positive effect a traffic signal can have on reducing vehicle speeds and accidents at an intersection, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as near campuses.
Installing traffic signals can greatly improve safety by enforcing the de jure speed limit, rather than allowing the de facto speed limit to set the pace of traffic. This can help in reducing the number of accidents that occur due to speeding and create a safer environment for pedestrians trying to navigate busy intersections.