Final answer:
You must always stop at red traffic lights, although emergencies such as a woman in labor might present a moral dilemma. Road safety principles, considering stopping distance and reaction times, emphasize the importance of stopping at red lights to prevent accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are certain conditions under which you must always stop. One fundamental rule is that you should stop your vehicle at a red traffic light. However, exceptions to this rule may apply in emergency situations, such as when a pregnant woman in the backseat is about to deliver a baby and the vehicle is en route to the hospital. If no other cars are around and it is 4 am, a rule utilitarian (RU) might argue that breaking the red light would provide more utility by ensuring the woman's timely arrival at the hospital, thus being the morally acceptable action. Nevertheless, this is a complex ethical consideration and does not align with legal standards.
In terms of road safety, understanding the relationship between speed and stopping distance is crucial. For instance, a car's stopping distance depends on the distance covered before hitting the brakes, the reaction time of the driver, and the road conditions. Experiments and calculations can help us determine the braking distances on dry and wet pavement, factoring in driver reaction time. This data is vital for safety and underscores why stopping at red lights is generally imperative.