Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6
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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 2. ERRORS IN TRAFFIC |
17. Turning right at traffic lights
A green circle light means go. But NOT on turning right. When turning right on green you must still give way to oncoming traffic. It is no different from any right-hand turn, where misunderstanding, misjudgement, blocked vision or a combination of these are the main reasons for serious crashes.
Before turning on a green light check for danger from:
- Oncoming traffic - has a green light too. YOU must give way.
- Vehicles behind - is anyone about to overtake you?
- Pedestrians - give way to to them before turning.
- The road you plan to enter - is it clear or has traffic built up?
Running an amber or red light is the major cause
of accidents at traffic lights.
When facing a green circle light enter the intersection! Reluctant motorists do not move forward, into the intersection, on green. The fear of lights changing and getting stuck in the intersection keeps them from venturing over the white line.
There are three reasons why you must enter the intersection on green while waiting to turn.
Motorists take more notice of you
Remember, see and be seen.
You clear the intersection quicker
You have less distance to cover to complete the turn.
Keeps traffic moving.
Turning right in peak hour traffic could literally take half an hour, unless one, two or more cars move forward on green and turn on amber. The more cars, that can turn on amber, the less congestion.
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Green
circle: You
may go straight ahead or turn right, after giving way to oncoming
traffic and pedestrians.
Caution: Never follow a right turning vehicle on a green circle light without checking that you have enough time to complete your turn safely. |
Green arrow: On a double set of traffic lights the green arrow means: Turn if safe in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic ought to wait on a red light. The arrow may also point left!
Double set, no arrows: The other light bulb is not broken. You may go straight ahead or turn right, but must first give way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Watch: an arrow may suddenly appear, follow the direction of the arrow. Certain traffic lights alternate between green circle, green arrow, green circle etc. In peak periods there may be no green arrow for a couple of hours. (E.g. No green arrow between 7.00 am and 9.00 am Mon -Fri). Expect a right turn to take considerably longer during this time span. Choose alternative route, where possible!
The amber traffic light shows for 3 or 4 seconds (it varies from state to state). This short transition from green to red is essential for cars waiting to turn in the intersection to clear it safely.
Beware! Head-on smashes with serious consequences happen when speedsters try to race through amber or red. The truck may hide a fast approaching vehicle.
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.
