22. Green means "GO" - a second later 

In the following mishap, a nine-year old child crossed the road at the traffic lights and ended up in hospital. A combination of factors, bad timing, lack of visibility and a driver, who didn't anticipate, all contributed to the crash, which I personally witnessed in the traffic ahead of me.

  

	1. Don't walk!  The child had started to cross the road, as the lights had turned “Don’t walk”.  The truck is waiting as the light is still on red.
	2. Don't rush!  The approaching driver in the left lane cannot see the child running out from  behind the stationary truck. The truck driver has full view of the child.  The lights turned to green.

3. Don't assume!  The driver's reaction time, after seeing the child, was approx. 3/4 second.  At 40 km/h his vehicle travelled 8.33 meters in this short time span. This was before the motorist even applied the brakes.

  A more cautious approach (why is the truck not moving off on green?) may have saved the child from harm.         

  Safe motorists allow for mistakes of others 

 

Your safety is

DRIVING PLUS

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Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. 

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