Final answer:
Blocking an intersection during rush hour is prohibited under any circumstances to ensure traffic flow and safety. Traffic signals are critical for controlling vehicle speeds and ensuring pedestrian safety, especially in high-traffic areas or near campuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blocking an intersection during rush hour traffic is not permitted under any circumstances, even if your light is green. This rule is in place to prevent gridlock and ensure that traffic can continue to flow smoothly. Additionally, traffic signals are installed to improve safety conditions. For example, they force vehicles to slow down and stop speeding through intersections, thereby enhancing both vehicle and pedestrian safety. A good example is the intersection near a campus, where students cross regularly and a signal would help them cross safely. Moreover, increasing traffic volumes due to local business growth or events necessitate traffic signals to manage the added congestion and reduce the risk of accidents, as has been observed in places with a rise in traffic-related incidents.