Final answer:
The legality of U-turns, the role of traffic signals, and exceptions to traffic laws, like in emergencies, are important aspects of road safety and enforcement. Traffic signals can reduce speeding, and Rational Utilitarianism allows for breaking traffic rules when greater good can be achieved, as in the emergency scenario presented.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discussion around when U-turns are illegal, and the influence of a traffic signal in enforcing traffic laws pertains to the broader subject of rules and regulations implemented for public safety. In the scenario described, vehicles that speed through the intersection without considering the speed limit pose a risk to everyone on the road. The implementation of a traffic signal can significantly reduce this behavior, as vehicles would be forced to slow down and potentially stop, depending on the signal, thereby reducing the chances of speeding-related accidents.
Considering traffic rules and their enforcement, let's also examine the situation where one might contemplate breaking a traffic law for the sake of the greater good. The example given highlights the concept of Rational Utilitarianism (RU), where an individual, faced with an emergency such as a pregnant woman in labor at 4 am, might weigh the moral implications of running a red light to reach a hospital more quickly against the potential risks to public safety. The 'rule of thumb' according to RU in this scenario suggests breaking the rule could indeed be considered a morally acceptable action if it results in greater overall utility or good. The complexity of enforcing road safety rules is evident, as they must balance the extreme rigidity that could limit emergency responses and a laxity that could lead to chaos on the roads. Situations that might necessitate breaking the law, such as the emergency depicted, are rare but provide a challenging aspect to the ethically rigid application of traffic laws.