Red Light
Red is not only the color of passion,
but it is also a color that represents warning. Stop signs are
red, as are many hazardous materials and other signs,
encouraging people to pay extra careful attention. Perhaps that is why
the red light was chosen for traffic
stops. As a child we learn that we must stop the car whenever we
see a red light. This is something inherent in our minds from a young
age, so when we get older and begin driving, we know the repercussions
that could happen if we disobey this important signal. Unfortunately many
accidents happen each year because people ignore or run right through
a red light. The purpose of the light is to give other cars the right
of way temporarily, forcing drivers coming
in another direction to stop and wait their turn.
Of course, red light doesn’t have to only represent traffic
signals. Many places such as bars and clubs use red
lights to create a specific environment. It is also known as a very
sensual color. Many major cities have what’s known as a red
light district. This area is usually popular for shady hotels, drugs,
and prostitution. Perhaps the idea of red being both a warning and an
alluring color go hand in hand when this term was coined. No matter how
it’s used, the red light makes a bold statement.
In traffic instances, today many cities are adding on cameras to
record vehicles that choose to run through the red
lights. At some point, it seemed that the color alone was enough
to deter people from driving recklessly. However, the installation of
these cameras was deemed necessary
by several districts to discourage drivers from
breaking the law. No matter what context it’s used in, the red
light is a bold and brazen symbol
of passion.