Traffic Lights: A Lesson in Adaptation and Clarity

The traffic light was originally invented for trains, and it initially used only two colors: red for stop and white for go. A green light was later added to indicate caution. So, the system was red for stop, green for caution, and white for go. However, the white light soon proved problematic as train drivers often mistook it for distant stars or other lights. Train companies recognized this issue and replaced the white light with green, making the system red for stop and green for go.

When road traffic regulators adopted traffic lights for vehicles, they introduced a yellow light to signify caution. Yellow was chosen because it has a shorter wavelength than red but a longer wavelength than green. This difference in wavelengths is why red is the most visible from a distance. Yellow is less visible than red but more noticeable than green.

The evolution of traffic lights teaches us the importance of adaptation and clarity. Just as traffic lights were refined to avoid confusion and improve safety, businesses and individuals should strive to recognize and address inefficiencies. By continually seeking better solutions and clear communication, we can navigate challenges more effectively and ensure smoother operations in our professional and personal lives.

Image by Didgeman