What is a common rationale for the establishment of minimum green time in traffic signals?

The establishment of minimum green time in traffic signals is primarily aimed at ensuring safety against crash incidents. Sufficient green time allows vehicles to complete their movements without rushing or having to accelerate rapidly, which can lead to unsafe conditions. When the green light is too short, vehicles may enter the intersection just as the light changes, increasing the risk of collisions with cross traffic. Thus, having a minimum green time is crucial for giving drivers adequate time to navigate through intersections safely, reducing the chances of accidents and enhancing the overall safety of the roadway system.

While facilitating smoother traffic flow, accommodating volume fluctuations, and complying with local regulations are important considerations in traffic signal design, the primary focus of minimum green time is on the safety of all road users.