Final answer:
2) At all times. The rules of the road are in effect at all times to ensure safety for all road users. Special circumstances, such as emergencies, may warrant exceptions, but generally, all traffic signals and laws must be followed to maintain order and prevent accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rules of the road are in effect at all times, not just when signs, signals, or markings are posted. This is designed to ensure the safety of all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Even if there is no one watching or it's a time when traffic is light, the laws still apply to ensure road safety.
In some emergency situations, like when a pregnant woman is about to deliver and needs to be quickly transported to the hospital, breaking a traffic signal could be morally defensible. However, this is an exception rather than the rule. Generally, the expectation is that all road users will obey traffic signals at all times to maintain safety. For instance, the installation of a traffic signal at a busy intersection can reduce the rate of speeding vehicles and improve pedestrian safety.
Ultimately, road safety rules are established to protect everyone and to minimize accidents and injuries on the road. They take into account various scenarios, including the need for pedestrians to cross at appropriate times and for vehicles to travel at safe speeds based on the given speed limits. It's important for all road users to be aware of and to follow these rules, whether it's during rush hour, weekends, or any other time.