Horizontal stoplights spread across America — Less useful now in winter, but a lifesaver in a few months

Some rules are meant to be broken, but when it comes to traffic rules, you’d best obey, especially when they concern following stoplights. Horizontal stoplights spread across America, and not just to keep you under the thumb of law, but to save your life. These particular configurations may not be very useful during this winter, but will prove to be lifesaving in a few months. Discover today why you will be seeing more of these particular stoplights as you travel across certain parts of America.

Horizontal stoplights spread across America

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and as Christmas time approaches, more and more people are getting ready to head off to their respective holiday destinations. This means the number of road users will inevitably increase, especially over the next couple of days. Recent data from the AAA indicates that approximately 122.4 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles this December, and between 109 and 110 million will be driving.

With that being said, now is as good a time as any to ensure that you are still up to date on all the traffic rules and regulations, which tend to vary between some states. For example, some stoplights may have a different configuration than what you are used to. Horizontal stoplights are spreading across America, and you must know what they mean.

The reasons behind the widespread occurrence

Traffic rules have been changing over the past few months, and more changes are expected to come, including changes to interstate speed limits. Now, you must take note of horizontal stoplights, and some states are more likely to make use of them, including:

• New Mexico
• Florida
• Texas
• Nebraska

According to the YouTuber known as Road Guy Rob, the four main reasons for the widespread occurrences of these configurations include:

1. Lack of clearance
   • In some states, freeway interchanges could be built on top of intersections, leaving limited space, making horizontal stoplights a more cost-effective solution
2. Uses a shorter pole
   • These configurations use less metal, which collectively saves more than just a buck
3. Increased visibility
   • Horizontal stoplights are usually in just the right visual position, 20 degrees to the left, 20 degrees to the right, and just low enough, increasing visibility for drivers

The fourth and final reason implies that these configurations are less useful now in winter, but they could save your life in a few months.

Less useful now in winter, but a lifesaver in a few months

In a few months, we will be basking in the warmth of summer and then enjoying the warm tones of fall. However, for some U.S. states, those months mean it is hurricane season. This is why horizontal stopsigns become more beneficial in the following states:

• Texas
• Louisiana
• Florida
• The Carolines

The configuration is more aerodynamic, allowing the stoplight to remain stable in harsh conditions, preventing the likelihood of damage and decreasing the need for maintenance. In the states prone to these disasters, they then become lifesaving, as they enhance road safety in times of emergency. For those who may be colorblind, just remember to read the lights from left to right:

• Left is red
• Middle is yellow/orange
• Right is green

If you are one of the millions of drivers on American roads this December, please obey all the respective traffic rules and regulations. This will not only ensure your safety, but the safety of all road users. While it may not be hurricane season yet, these horizontal stoplights must not be ignored. Otherwise, you could be staring at the end of a traffic fine before Christmas. In other mobility news, blue traffic lights have also arrived in the USA, so ensure you also obey them or also risk getting a steep fine.