Tennessee Permit Practice Test

What is the main purpose of a traffic signal?

1. To serve as a decorative element on roads

2. To control the flow of traffic

3. To indicate pace for pedestrian crossing

4. To communicate with emergency vehicles

The correct answer is: To control the flow of traffic

The main purpose of a traffic signal is to control the flow of traffic. Traffic signals are designed to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, ensuring safety and efficiency on the road. By assigning right-of-way through different colored lights, traffic signals help prevent collisions and manage the orderly progression of vehicles from various directions. This control is essential in busy urban areas where multiple roads intersect, as it helps coordinate the movement of large numbers of vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the overall flow of traffic. The decorative aspect, while sometimes included in design, does not serve the primary function of a traffic signal. Similarly, although traffic signals assist pedestrians, their primary role is not about indicating pace but rather ensuring safe crossing during appropriate times. Lastly, while traffic signals can communicate with emergency vehicles through specific signals or preemption systems, this is a secondary function rather than their main purpose.