Do you remember playing “Red Light / Green Light” as a kid? Too bad it wasn't “Green Light / Yellow Light”. Maybe then we'd all be a little better at handling the light changing from green to yellow when driving. So, what should you do, or better asked, what shouldn't you do when a stop light turns from green to yellow to red?
For starters don't think that being “across the line” or “half way through the intersection” before the light turns red has anything to do with making the correct decision at a yellow light. Many people think that. The vehicle code says that if you can make a reasonable stop when the light turns from green to yellow, then you should. Reasonable is the key word here. Nobody would expect you to skid to a stop, or stop way over the line. However, a stop that is a little harder than usual could be “reasonable”. So, it is entirely possible to have made it all the way through the intersection, and still be in violation of the light. An officer may determine that you did have time to make a reasonable stop but chose not to.
Instead, think of the “point of no return” as you approach all green lights. The point of no return is the point after which you can no longer make a reasonable stop. If the light turns yellow before you hit that point, you stop. If the light turns yellow after that point, then you continue at the speed limit through the intersection. This is a very easy task if you don’t fall into one or both of two traps; distractions and speeding.
First, many people look away while approaching a green light from a distance. They may see the green light at first, and then go to change the radio, reach for a drink, or some other distraction. Then, when they look back up, the light has turned yellow. In addition to being caught off guard, they are not sure exactly when the light turned yellow. This makes them more likely to make a bad choice.
The second problem comes with speeding. Many people speed as they are approaching intersections. Speeding at an intersection is a very bad idea. Intersections are where most accidents and most fatalities happen. In addition to that, yellow lights are timed based on the speed limit. If the limit is 25 mph then the light will stay yellow for a shorter period of time than when the limit is 45 mph. If you are traveling 35 or 40 mph in a 25 mph zone, and the light turns yellow, you have just made it impossible to make the right decision, and have set yourself up for a dual violation.
Remember to avoid these two major problems, and train your brain to think of the “point of no return” each time you approach a green light. If you can do that, then you will have no problems when that light turns from green to yellow.
Good Luck and Stay Safe.
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