Traffic lights, the rules apply to all road users driver, pedestrians, motorcyclists etc.
Drivers
When the light is red, you stop and wait for the green
When the light turns to Amber, you get ready to drive off.
When the light turns green, first you check to see it’s clear, then drive off.
Pedestrians
When the red man shows you stay where you are and don’t cross until the green man shows
When the green man shows you crossover to other-side, safely.
Why are they here?
There here so that both drivers and pedestrians can make there way somewhere safely, they were also put there by builders and town planners, they were made to create control, to create a safe road environment.
Sure they can be annoying and sometimes depending on the traffic can people late, but they do decrease the risk of an accident or a hit and run.
Do people always obey them?
No not everyone will, drivers who tend to run them are possibly aggressive, in a hurry/emergency, not noticing or possibly under the influence
999 emergency services will be permitted, but only if it’s an emergency.
As for pedestrians they would run past, even if the red man is showing, it’s pretty risky, depending on the kind of driver approaching.
How is it a “Moral and Political actor”?
If you want to make your journey safe and easy with no conflicts or injuries, one of the best things to do is obey all traffic/crossing lights, sure they can be annoying and inconvenient but they do make the roads safer.
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