What is the name of a device that controls traffic by indicating when to stop and proceed?

The correct response identifies a device known as a signal, which serves the essential purpose of managing traffic flow by indicating to drivers and pedestrians when they should stop and when it is safe to proceed. This device is crucial for maintaining order and safety on roadways, as it regulates the movement of vehicles and enhances pedestrian safety.

Signals, such as traffic lights or signals at intersections, convey clear messages through visual cues, typically using red for stop, yellow for caution, and green for go. This standardization is key to ensuring that all road users understand the meaning immediately, allowing for smoother navigation and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Options like stoplight primarily refer to a specific type of signal, which does not encompass all forms of traffic control systems. Similarly, indicators and traffic signs do play roles in traffic management but differ in function and scope from signals that essentially control the flow of vehicles at intersections or roadways. Thus, the most accurate and encompassing term for the device that directs traffic in this context is indeed a signal.