LOW RISK DRIVING

B.18 AMBER means Stop!

Many driver's think amber means simply caution! An amber (or orange or yellow) traffic light means - Stop! It is, of course, not always possible or safe to stop on amber.

Judgment, a skill learned by experience, is the key.

Factors to consider before sudden braking are:

1. The vehicle speed

2. The condition of the road surface

3. Traffic behind

4. Efficiency of the brakes

You can't stop on amber if you are already in the intersection, Waiting to turn on green, carefully watch for the amber light. You must complete your turn - and do it quickly. Be sure all oncoming traffic is slowing.

On a wet road, depending on your speed, you may also decide to proceed, if safe to do so. But numerous rear-end crashes occur, because the third factor is ignored: Braking sharply without checking the rear-view mirror. Two errors lead to serious collisions at amber traffic lights:

1. Don't speed up to move through the intersection on the amber light - but then changing your mind!

Traffic behind may have also wanted to travel through the intersection with you. Instead a rear-end collision occurs (Pic. on right).

View this crash as an animation-HERE

2. Don't start braking, then change your mind and continue through the intersection.

An oncoming vehicle, waiting to turn right, may interpret your slowing down, thinking you will stop. A head-on collision may occur.

Disclaimer: All information supplied this website could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Revised April 2010	Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!
	T> I	When approaching a green light speed up to make it through.	F> T
	T> E	Amber does not just mean caution, it means stop.	F> N
	T> X	Changing your mind at traffic lights can lead to serious crashes	F> A
	T> L	Amber means - keep going through the intersection, regardless.	F> T