When you see the traffic light is red, bring your car to a stop slowly and smoothly. Don't be a hero. Heroes are only for cinemas. Do not cross over the pedestrian line when you are approaching a red traffic light. Start moving your car only when the traffic light is completed green. Do not move before it turns green. When the light is amber, it is an indication for the driver to start slowing down and come slowly to a halt. It is not an indication for the driver to speed faster! Accidents have been found to always occur during the amber time. Both parties from opposite directions does not want to give way, so they meet headon and such injuries are often fatal. The real purpose of the amber light is to clear the junction so that the traffic from the other cross roads can have a clear unobtrusive view and unhindered path for them to cross. In whatever the situation, you should never pass the amber light when you are in the position to stop in time. In many new junctions today, we are seeing an increasing use of countdown timers at the lights. This is a tremendous improvement to driver anticipation and has reduced many accidents and deaths. Respect the timer. Wait until they turn to zero before acceleration. We have seen many stubborn drivers still insisting on crossing the lights even though it is already red. Remember Prevention is Better than Cure. |
