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22. GREEN MEANS GO - WITH CAUTION

 

The first moment after traffic lights change from red to green is the most critical. It's the time when most crashes at traffic lights occur. 

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, the child disobeying a signal, unfortunate timing, lack of visibility and a driver in a hurry - all contributed to the child being seriously hurt.

DON'T WALK means wait for the WALK signal.

Flashing DON'T WALK allows pedestrians to finish crossing the road. They should not commence crossing!

(What does the signal look like in your country?) 

1. Child crosses on Don't walk signal: 

The child had started to cross the road, despite the lights flashing 'Don’t walk'.

3. The truck driver has full view and sees the child still crossing. Despite the green light, the truck does not move!

Not so the driver in a hurry in the left lane. On green the vehicle accelerates, not expecting danger...

2. The truck waited at the red light. Next the light turns green.

4. Never assume that a green light means it's all clear, especially when stationary vehicles block your view! 

View 3-D Animation

HERE

 

The average driver's reaction time in an emergency is 3/4 second. At 40 km/h the vehicle travels 8.33 meters in this short time span. This is before the brakes have even been applied!  (Stopping distances are covered in Section 33). 

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.