Red light runners and other criminals

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

The single most dangerous and pointless driving "error" is a red light 
runner (apart from driving drunk). For those of you running yellow lights 
can I ask what's the difference? In Alberta it is also legal to enter the 
intersection on a yellow if you are unable to stop safely, however, unless 
you're being tailgated then you should stop. Those slotted rotors 
and  racing pad brakes are never used otherwise! The perpendicular light 
turns green when your light turns red and A CAR ALREADY IN  MOTION 
APPROACHING THAT LIGHT IS ENTITLED TO ASSUME YOU"VE STOPPED. This motorist 
may be travelling at the speed limit and should be entitled to proceed 
without fear of a collision.

Never run red lights, and don't run yellows unless you really can't stop 
safely. This is the number two safety problem in North America next to 
drunk driving. The response of safety engineers to yellow light runners is 
to increase the red overlap (all lights red) and I sympathize as they have 
no choice. BUT, red overlaps encourage more late light running! The 
solution actually is to move to a European short light phase which makes 
the perceived time penalty of stopping for a light less onerous. Also, 
people at the front of the line should be encouraged to step on it when the 
light does turn green which will reduce this perceived time penalty (I find 
the horn sometimes has the desired effect). Late light running even if 
technically legal is anti social and should be avoided by ALL driving 
enthusiasts, to speed up traffic flows and restore higher levels of safety 
at intersections.

Don't get me wrong, I think speeding laws are ignorant in NA. But light 
laws and solid line rules etc are eminently sensible and deserve our full 
respect, especially when the average goofball is routinely ignoring them. 
Fast and competent drivers should set a good example where it really 
counts. Don't drive drunk and don't run lights, even if you could "get away 
with it".


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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End of alfa-digest V7 #1208
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