Traffic lights are installed on different sections of the road to regulate the flow of traffic. You must always approach the lights with caution in case the signals change before you reach them. The colour of the traffic lights facing you as you approach them determine the action you must take.
When it comes to traffic lights, the orange light usually gets misunderstood as an extension of the green light. When you approach an orange light it doesn't mean that you should speed up to make it across, but to safely prepare yourself to stop when it turns red.
For learner drivers, deciding whether to stop or go through at an orange light can be a very difficult decision to make. But this doesn't have to be the case. Knowing your surrounding and what is behind you is the first step in making the decision to stop or go.
As a guideline, if the light has been green for a while when you are approaching it, anticipate that the light will most likely time out and change to orange, so slow a little and prepare yourself for coming to a stop if it changes to orange. If you are making the decision to stop or not, look into your rear vision mirror and make certain that you don't have a vehicle closely following you from behind (especially a heavy vehicle like a truck). If you brake suddenly at the lights you might become the next mascot on the front radiator of that B-double truck.
Remember it's better to be 5 minutes late getting stuck behind a traffic light than not ever arriving at your destination. Always make sure that you keep a Safety Cushion around your car to give you enough stopping distance. You can blame the other person for running into you but it doesn't change the fact that your car is damaged or even worse, ending up in hospital. Be road smart and know your surroundings.
