In traffic signal terminology, what does the term "clear phase" refer to?

The term "clear phase" in traffic signal terminology refers specifically to the time allocated for vehicles to safely clear the intersection after the traffic signals have changed. During this phase, vehicles that are already in the intersection are given the opportunity to exit before new conflicting movements are allowed to start. This is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring smooth traffic flow, as it allows all vehicles that may still be in the intersection no matter their position, time to exit safely, thus reducing the potential for an accident with vehicles that might start moving at the next signal phase.

In essence, the clear phase is an important safety measure that ensures that no vehicles are still occupying the intersection when conflicting traffic is given the green light, ultimately enhancing the safety of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at intersections.