While driving today, Andrew asked why the traffic lights are red and green; more specifically, he asked why the red light means stop and the green light means go. I had to tell him that I don't know why, but that it was just how they (does anyone ever know who "they" are?) decided it.
I mean, I understand that red and green are contrasting colors, so they are easy to tell apart from afar (except for those who are color blind). But, why those colors? Why not blue and orange? Or purple and yellow?
And, come to think of it, have you noticed how so many different colors mean different things (especially in the traffic laws). Whenever you see orange (bright orange) on the road, you instinctively think "construction." Or blue makes you think "hospital." What if we did change the traffic lights to blue and orange, and all of the construction signs were purple? And, what if the lines painted on the road were green and yellow? Just thinking about it makes me think it would look so weird.
Anyone been in a different country and seen the colors for their traffic signs and streets? Are they the same colors we use? And, really, who decided which colors to use? (Like, why is a fire truck red and an ambulance white?)
I mean, I understand that red and green are contrasting colors, so they are easy to tell apart from afar (except for those who are color blind). But, why those colors? Why not blue and orange? Or purple and yellow?
And, come to think of it, have you noticed how so many different colors mean different things (especially in the traffic laws). Whenever you see orange (bright orange) on the road, you instinctively think "construction." Or blue makes you think "hospital." What if we did change the traffic lights to blue and orange, and all of the construction signs were purple? And, what if the lines painted on the road were green and yellow? Just thinking about it makes me think it would look so weird.
Anyone been in a different country and seen the colors for their traffic signs and streets? Are they the same colors we use? And, really, who decided which colors to use? (Like, why is a fire truck red and an ambulance white?)
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Oh and if you think I knew all this before you asked the question, think again. I just "googled" it. Pretty interesting to find out about though. :) Thank heaven for kids asking questions, or I wouldn't know half the stuff I do now.
One more thing; Aaron says that in Austria they use the red/yellow/green lights as well. They have different rules that apply while driving (like absolutely no right turns on red), but other than that it's the same. Hope that helps.