Final answer:
The installation of traffic signals is vital for ensuring vehicular and pedestrian safety, especially in high-traffic areas. Signals help control speeding and provide safe crossing for pedestrians, while also managing increased vehicle flow due to local developments. Understanding de jure versus de facto speed limits is also crucial in zones where speed reduction is essential for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of traffic signals is a critical aspect of road safety, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic. When we examine the reasons for installing a traffic signal at a specific intersection, several factors emerge as significant. First and foremost, the signal is a deterrent for vehicles that tend to speed through without paying attention to the posted speed limit. The presence of a signal obliges drivers to slow down and stop, thereby preventing the tendency to race through the intersection.
Moreover, pedestrian safety cannot be overstressed. Locations like the intersection near a campus where many students traverse can be especially perilous. Without a traffic signal, pedestrians are forced to navigate through traffic, which can be hazardous. The introduction of a signal provides structured crossing periods, enhancing safety for those on foot.
Another crucial factor is the increased traffic flow due to nearby developments such as new businesses and changes in traffic patterns related to local events. These changes necessitate better traffic management, which a traffic signal can provide. Lastly, the concept of a de jure versus a de facto speed limit is important to understand. While the former is the speed limit as set by law and posted on signs, the latter refers to the actual speed at which traffic flows and at which enforcement actions such as pulling over speeding vehicles begin. In areas with reduced speed zones, particularly near schools, de facto speed limits play a role in safeguarding the community.