Final answer:
Installing a traffic signal can improve vehicle and pedestrian safety by forcing vehicles to slow down and by providing a safe crossing for pedestrians. It also helps manage traffic flow and reduce congestion-related pollution. Strategic traffic management practices, like using pullouts for slow traffic and installing traffic signals, are essential for safety and environmental health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Installing a traffic signal can have a significant impact on road safety and efficiency. Notably, in situations where vehicles speed through intersections, ignoring speed limits, the presence of a traffic signal enforces them to slow down. This can prevent accidents and ensure safety. Additionally, pedestrian safety is improved as traffic signals provide a controlled environment for crossing the street, which is particularly important in school zones or campus areas where students are frequently present.
Rush hour traffic and congestion, often seen in cities like Washington, D.C., contribute to air pollution and excessive fuel consumption. A traffic signal can help manage traffic flow, reducing dangerous situations such as bottlenecking and erratic driving behaviors. The example of a traffic signal installed at the intersection of Clay Street and Eagle Avenue illustrates the benefits; the number of accidents decreased, and pedestrian safety was enhanced.
Urban areas in India face daily challenges with slow traffic and congestion. It is a major concern as slow-moving and idling vehicles lead to increased pollutants and carbon footprint. Therefore, managing traffic efficiently is crucial for both safety and environmental health. Measures like pullouts used by slow vehicles to allow faster ones to pass and the strategic installation of traffic signals, can greatly reduce these negative impacts.