The next time you are at the front of the lineup waiting for a green light, watch the driver beside you. Many times when the traffic signal turns green they will immediately proceed without looking to the left or right for hazards or traffic already lawfully in the intersection.
Just because the light has turned green, it does not mean that you can go. It may be unsafe to proceed or you may still have to yield right of way to other traffic already present in the intersection.
There are three situations where drivers facing a green light must not proceed immediately. Most people already follow these three exceptions, but failing to take them into account can cause confusion or a crash.
The first of the three is a situation where turning direction controls are in place. The driver may only proceed as indicated by these signals.
The second is where there is a pedestrian lawfully in the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal is green. Drivers must yield to these pedestrians.
The final situation is where a vehicle has entered the intersection waiting to turn and has been unable to do so before the signal goes red. Cross traffic on the new green signal must yield right of way to allow the first vehicle to clear the intersection.
Always do a 180 degree scan of any intersection before entering it. Unless you are turning left, you must be able to clear the intersection before you proceed. Don’t be pressured by other drivers to go before it is safe.
Story URL: https://www.drivesmartbc.ca/intersections/green-light-doesnt-always-mean-go
-- Tim Schewe Road Safety Advocate DriveSmartBC.ca
