Opinion Piece: Skipping a red traffic light puts people in danger unnecessarily
[WATCH] Recently while waiting for a new number plate to be cut for my vehicle, I observed how many vehicles skip the red lights at the intersection, and how many oncoming vehicles, anticipating the traffic light is going to turn green for them, just kept on driving, although the light was still red for them when they entered the intersection.
One of the most frequent traffic offences in the city is probably skipping a red traffic light or ignoring a stop sign.
Recently while waiting for a new number plate to be cut for my vehicle, I observed how many vehicles skip the red lights at the intersection, and how many oncoming vehicles, anticipating the traffic light is going to turn green for them, just kept on driving, although the light was still red for them when they entered the intersection.
This an accident waiting to happen as another driver may decide he can still make it across the intersection before the light turns green, drive faster and enter the intersection colliding with the other who jumped the light.
Read more: [TAKE NOTE] New traffic fines to be implemented on 1 September
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, South African studies show that two of the most common reasons for intersection collisions are driver negligence and recklessness. This puts running a red traffic light and ignoring a stop sign is 6th and 7th on the list of 25 causes for accidents in the country.
If the traffic light is displayed with the red disc and a steady amber/yellow arrow, does it mean that a person who wants to turn in the direction of the arrow can use the arrow as a yield sign and drive if it is safe to do so?
Or does it indicate to the driver that he/she shall stop behind the stop line if he intends turning in the direction of the yellow arrow light signal and that he shall remain stationary until a green light signal allowing the movement is displayed and it is safe to proceed?
Provided a driver is so close to the stop line when a steady yellow arrow light signal is displayed that he cannot stop safely, then he may proceed with caution against such yellow arrow signal.
In an article I read online recently, a Cape Town radio talk show hostess asked her listeners who skipped robots, and more than 16 000 people responded. The results revealed that more than 9 000 people said they do skip traffic lights but only late at night. 8 650 said they never do it because it’s too dangerous. The scariest results were those who said they do it only if they are driving too fast (608) or “sometimes if I am in a rush” (758).
This is unacceptable behaviour. Don’t put people at danger for unnecessary reasons, leave earlier or don’t speed!
Just remember the life you save avoiding an accident may be the father or mother on whose salary his family depends for a living.
Or it may even be your own life.
Safe driving tips to observe when approaching an intersection – AA
Arrivealive clearly states when a motorists approaches a green light at an intersection proceed they are to proceed with responsible caution; yellow light mean stop before the white line unless you are too close to do so safely. A red light means STOP.
“Yellow lights do not provide a signal to motorists to go faster through the intersection,” the association says.
When approaching the intersection drive defensively, anticipating problems and situations with heightened caution and attention during congested traffic times such as rush hour.
Be patient – think about what other drivers might do as you approach intersections, particularly when you are altering your path approaching an intersection. Do not speed at intersections – a driver driving too fast when approaching a crossing, may not be able to completely stop when necessary.
Beware of those accelerating over the red light and the driver eagerly anticipating the green light AND avoid entering an intersection when traffic is backed up on the other side, you may be unable to leave the intersection before the light change and might be stuck in the middle.
REMEMBER!! Emergency vehicles always have the first right-of-way. Remain stopped and still until the emergency vehicle has completely cleared the area of the intersection.
