Why is there more than one traffic light in the direction you're going?

[CoffeeBreath]

Like I know all the basic stuff but why is there more than one light? Like in different places in the direction your going?
Do they all show the same color?
(I haven't started driving yet)

example - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/26/Stevenscreekblvdtrafficlight.jpg

 

[Paul]

Sometimes there are obstructions like a large truck directly in front of you
so it helps to have several lights available. That way, you are less likely to run a red light.