UK drivers go colour-blind at traffic lights

More than half of all drivers don’t know the traffic light sequence, research by UK online used car retailer, Autoquake.com, has revealed.

Autoquake asked 1000 drivers to name the signal after amber. Just under half (48%) correctly chose red. Worryingly, nearly four out of ten (39%) thought an amber light was about to change to green. Almost one in ten (7%) expected a green and amber signal next, while 6% thought red and amber would appear.

“We’re surprised that so few drivers remember the traffic light sequence correctly,” said Autoquake.com’s CEO, Dermot Halpin. “It’s amazing that so many drivers think an amber signal is about to change to green when in fact it will change to red! Drivers should remember that an amber light means stop unless it is unsafe to do so. As pedestrians we’re worried that so many drivers expect to see a green and amber signal since this doesn’t exist!”

Autoquake.com’s research revealed some big differences between the regions. The East Midlands led the way, with 64% of drivers correctly choosing red as the next light in the sequence. 61% of drivers in East Anglia answered correctly, as did 58% in Northern Ireland.

Welsh drivers were most disappointing, with only 40% expecting red to follow amber. Just 45% of Scottish drivers answered correctly.

“In central London, there are 2.4 personal injury accidents per year* at traffic signals,” said Halpin. “With so few drivers knowing the correct traffic light sequence, perhaps this is one of the reasons why.”

The first traffic lights were installed outside the Houses of Parliament on 10 December 1868. Semaphore-style arms were used in the day and gas lights at night. However, less than a month after being installed a gas lantern exploded. The more modern electric traffic light is an American invention and was first installed in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1912.