by Dr. Radut

Racing to a Stop

Published by DriveSmartBC -

Red Traffic LightWe've all seen it and I'll bet that we all talk about them, drivers who race us to the next red light. Here they come, weaving through traffic, going over the speed limit and pass by us just in time to stop for the same red light that we do. These drivers put us all at risk to gain nothing and demonstrate their inability to plan ahead.

Drivers that observe the state of the traffic signals as they approach have time to plan and take the appropriate action. If you don't brake hard, chances are the vehicle following you will be much less likely to hit you from behind. If road conditions are poor, anticipation will allow you to stop for the red light without unintentionally sliding into the intersection.

Slowing down gradually in anticipation of the red light will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and your wallet. Brake maintenance is expensive and the inefficient use of fuel costs you money and all of us in air quality.

Plan it all correctly and you might not have to stop at all! Timing may mean that the traffic signal has turned green as you arrive and you can keep on rolling. If other drivers are going to talk about your driving skills why not let it be admiration?

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Published by blackcat (not verified) - 2012/10/16 - 14:17 | Permalink

I see the opposite in Vancouver (and suburbs). Those racing - make the lights...while those that go the speed limit get almost all the lights. We need better coordination of these light systems to make driving more efficient per the speed limit. And there is no coordinated system for lights...some are very short some are very long. There is a couple places that have rush hour 'traffic waves' but they are rare.

Another problem is quick lights for side roads with 1 or 2 vehicles while major thoroughfares have to all stop to accommodate those 1 or 2 cars. There should be longer delays for the side roads with smaller traffic..but there isnt. Its all over the place...no province wide standardization.

With todays technology and metal car detectors in the asphalt you would think there would be a better coordinated effort to make traffic flow efficiently yet despite this we live in the 2nd worst congested city in North America...and we only have 2 million people. Wait as we grow to 4 million..this place will be a nightmare.

Aggressive Driving
Intersections
Stopping
Unsafe Driving Practices