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18. AMBER  means Stop!

 

Many driver's think amber means simply caution! An amber (also called orange or yellow) traffic light means - Stop! It is, of course, not always possible or safe to stop when the lights change. The decision to stop or to proceed takes judgement and experience. 

Judgement is a skill learned by experience.

Factors to consider before sharply braking on amber:

 

1. The vehicle speed

2. The condition of the road surface

3.  Traffic behind

4.  Efficiency of the brakes

You can't stop on amber, if you are already in the intersection, waiting to turn right. Carefully watch for the amber light. When green turns to amber clear the intersection quickly. Be sure all oncoming traffic is slowing. Before completing the turn, check for pedestrians and the road you are turning into. It may be blocked in a traffic jam! (See also Section 17).

 

On a wet road surface you may decide to proceed on amber, if safe to do so, since harsh braking may lead to skidding.

But numerous rear-end crashes occur, because the third factor is ignored: Braking sharply without checking the rear-view mirror. This dangerous practice is happening regularly at red-light cameras. Motorists fear being caught and fined, so they brake unreasonably harsh.

Another factor that leads to rear-end collisions at amber traffic lights: Drivers changing their mind on the approach:

1. Don't speed up to move through the intersection on the amber light and then change your mind and stop!

 

Traffic behind may have also wanted to travel through the intersection with you. A rear-end collision may occur!

 

View this crash as 3-D Animation!

2. On amber don't start braking, then change your mind and continue through the intersection.

An oncoming vehicle, waiting to turn right, may wrongly interpret your slowing down, thinking you will stop! A head-on collision with oncoming vehicles may occur*.

 

View this crash as 3-D Animation!

*See Investigations on this website - Novice Learner/Instructor (killed).

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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 - revised 2020.