Final answer:
The necessity of installing a traffic signal was driven by concerns over pedestrian safety, vehicle speeding, and a significant increase in accidents and traffic volume near a campus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject at hand is the importance of installing a traffic signal at a busy intersection near a campus to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic accidents. Before the installation of the traffic signal, vehicles often sped through the intersection, disregarding the speed limit which posed a danger to pedestrians, especially students coming to or leaving campus. As a result of the high traffic density and several incidents, including one that resulted in a loss of life, the urgency to install a traffic signal became apparent.
Another reason for the installation is the increase in area traffic due to nearby developments like a manufacturing plant and additional businesses in the local strip mall. Adjustments to traffic routing for events such as football games have further increased traffic through this intersection, making the need for a traffic signal even more pressing. The overarching effect of these causes was the installation of a traffic signal to manage the speed of vehicles and provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians, thereby potentially reducing the number of accidents.
In summary, pedestrian safety, the need to slow down vehicles, and the rise in traffic accidents and volume were the driving reasons behind the installation of a traffic signal at a problematic intersection.