When at a crossroads, you must have wondered why traffic lights are red, yellow, and green? Why not use other colors? And why does the red traffic light mean stop, the yellow light means prepare to drive, and the green light indicates that drivers may proceed. 

To clarify, consider the reasons why traffic lights use these colors, as follows.

What Do Traffic Light Colors Mean? Here’s Their History and Meaning!

The use of red, yellow, and green in traffic lights actually has its own meaning and philosophy and is not just arbitrary colors. To learn more about the history of traffic lights, consider the following review.

1. Meaning of the Color Red 

The use of red as a signal for drivers to stop originates from the rules against warfare during wartime. The massive bloodshed during wars caused deep sorrow for most people. 

A group of people emerged who were against warfare. Then a new rule was established, which was a prohibition against hurting or killing each other and going to war. The color red was chosen as a symbol of that rule.

2. Meaning of the Color Yellow

The use of yellow in traffic lights comes from the philosophy of fire and the color of old leaves during wartime. In wartime, fire had two meanings; if a small fire was seen from the enemy's group, it indicated that the problem could still be controlled well, and that situation could even be beneficial. However, if the fire was large, it signaled that soldiers needed to be alert and prepare to face the enemy. 

From the philosophy of old leaves, the color yellow signifies a transition. Because old, yellowing leaves will fall and be replaced by new, fresher leaves. The color yellow provides a time interval for drivers as a signal to start moving or to prepare to stop again. 

3. Meaning of the Color Green

The color green is derived from the philosophy of the color of a plant's leaves. Most plants on this earth are green and are interpreted as a symbol of freedom.

Additionally, green is a color that refreshes the eyes and provides tranquility to anyone who sees it. This philosophy underlies the meaning that the green traffic light indicates that the driver is safe and may begin their journey. 

Thus are the meanings of the three colors used for traffic lights. So, do you understand it now? However, you might still be curious why the arrangement of traffic light colors in Indonesia is vertical and not horizontal? Here’s the reason.

Read Also: Traffic Signs: Types, Meanings, Complete Images

Reasons for the Vertical Arrangement of Traffic Light Colors

The vertical arrangement is not done arbitrarily. Instead, this arrangement is based on field research.

The vertical arrangement of traffic lights with three different colors can help drivers who experience color blindness distinguish between the three colors. From the meanings and how traffic lights work, thus enhancing their safety while driving. 

After you thoroughly understand the meanings of traffic lights as described above, make sure you always obey the traffic light regulations so that you remain safe and free from traffic violation fines. 

To ensure your safety, make sure to regularly maintain your car at a Daihatsu dealer or the nearest official workshop. Ensure your car is always in prime condition when driven.