Final answer:
A steady red arrow at an intersection means 'stop' and indicates that drivers must come to a full stop and wait for it to turn green before proceeding. It's imperative for traffic control and pedestrian safety, especially when traffic density is high and accident rates are a concern.
Step-by-step explanation:
A steady red arrow as a traffic signal at an intersection typically means 'stop'. You must come to a full stop and wait until the signal changes to green before proceeding in the direction of the arrow. This is particularly important when there are high traffic densities to ensure the safety of all road users, including those in vehicles and pedestrians alike. Installing traffic signals in areas with significant speeds and accident rates helps reduce the number of collisions and improves overall pedestrian safety. The presence of the arrow indicates a clear command in the flow of traffic, ensuring that vehicles slow down appropriately and that pedestrians can cross at designated times, thus reducing the need to dodge through traffic.