Do You Slow Down at an Intersection When The Lights Are Still Green?

Howdy.
On the back of a rather interesting poll , I have another question.

Q: Do You Slow down at an Intersection When The Lights Are Still Green?

I am generally a 'Yes' in this department but only under certain circumstances. The only reason why I say this is because I've done this with my wife who sits in the passenger seat to then get an earful of, "Stop slowing down at the traffic lights! It's dangerous as you can get rear-ended". I slow down probably at least 5kph. It's one of those things that I probably do subconsciously, like tapping the accelerator, which annoys her as well. I don't mean to do the latter, but the former statement is out of safety. But in saying this, I'd rather slow down and get rear-ended (their fault for not allowing proper braking distance) rather than sideswiped by an emergency vehicle or semi. If the rear vehicle is on the larger side, I may react differently depending on how close they are. What is worse would be running over a kid who is blindly walking a red crossing light.

Some caveats:
* "Slowing down" = reducing speed by lifting accelerator OR light pressure on the brakes at a 'reasonable' distance
* I don't do this at ALL traffic intersection types. Only the ones running perpendicular to each other, large or small, and when the situation is sketchy
* Every situation is different. Weather, traffic congestion, blind stops from cars/ojects obstructing views from either side, traffic light cycle time, etc
* My reaction is different depending on the previous point and how much I lift off the accelerator or apply brake force
* If there is a procession of cars in front, the most I would do is lift off the accelerator to prepare. If at all.

What's the point of this:
* I'm not showing this to my wife, regardless of what the outcome is. Not here to gather info to gloat. Regardless of what people say here, I probably won't ever change my stance on how I drive through intersections TBH. I'm not the safest driver in the world, I don't think anyone is. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but I've just seen enough intersection smashes to justify that what I'm doing is safer than choosing to not slow down because I run the risk of inconveniencing a driver behind me.
* To continue the momentum from the previous post, I want to create a discussion to see what people do or think about it. There will always be opposing views. Send them over.
* I like how these discussions pan out into something that I/others can benefit from. You'll get the usual negativity from time to time. This is the internet after all =)


EDIT:
Not like it matters much, but I am the one that voted for "Yes, Depends on the situation". The original post had some ambiguity that I do it at ALL intersections. Clearing up the confusion. Fire away folks!


FINAL THOUGHTS

This has been enlightening. The very conversation about it, coupled with my previous post, has made me reflect on road safety. So I do appreciate the responses.

Seems that most of you, at the time of writing, are in the 'NO' camp (~5:1). It's understandable that you think this way, as I've also had the same lovely discussions with my wife in the past. I'm probably not going to change her opinion. So why should I need to change yours. You do you. I'll do me.

The past few days have been insightful. I'm glad to have posted this to gain an unbiased and objective opinion from strangers on the internet on a website that mostly deal with cheapskates. Myself included. Just look at my username for Christ's sake! Though, I am more keen than before to improve how I am on the road, to have top peak situational awareness, with the consideration of others that share the tarmac with me. But, to repeat, I'm not consciously going to change my approach with intersections to stop slowing down under certain circumstances. But I'll remember some of the valid points made in the post. Sorry, not sorry.

Other than that, it's ok to be ignorant. We're all human. We'll learn from our mistakes as long as we acknowledge it. Keep treating others with respect. Just because you don't know them and you're behind a screen with some level of anonymity, I say, 'Just chill brah.'

Drive safe. I know I will (try).

TLDR: I'm still going to slow down when I think the situation requires it. Peace.

Poll Options expired

  • 8
    Yes, definitely. All the time.
  • 162
    Yes. It depends on the situation.
  • 5
    I don't know. Haven't really thought about it much.
  • 21
    Nah. I'm a safe enough driver and I think I can react quickly enough.
  • 383
    No. I think it's dangerous. Stop listening to trash music.

Comments

  • +82

    Hand in your licence dude.

    • -1

      haha seems like it's headed that way =)

    • -1

      He’s prob 80 y.o already, soon.

    • +7

      This "poll", your comments below, plus the previous post.

      Your poll option for "no" plays down the significant danger that you are on the road by linking it to your taste in music.

      Seriously.

      Your previous post and your caveats in the OP suggest you are completely unpredictable and uneducated on the road.

      I am thankful you are driving in Melbourne and not around my immediate family and friends or me on my bmx.

      Your lack of understanding of road rules and your surroundings, you will injure yourself, your passengers (you mention young kids - I am now so much more concerned about your previous post and you heading in to oncoming traffic!), or someone else.

      Please take lessons or stop driving.

    • -1

      Actually no I think you do, all cars are required to SLOW down at intersections, weather they have right or way or otherwise. Yes it's a stupid rule.
      Rules like this are coming to a head now, as we develop automated software, the key challenge we have is;
      a) Build cars that drive like humans (we believe this is the safest approach, as other vehicles can easily predict the behavior)
      b) Drive to the letter of the law (this causes road rage, increases the risks of accidents, due to cars unexpectedly stopping, giving way.

      Another key example, is the need to give way to all pedestrians at intersections, regardless if said pedestrian is crossing on a red.

      Finally roundabouts, heck people drive like cars on the left must give way, that's not the rule. But if you drive per the rule, expect a collision soon,

      We are going to see more and more of these discussions and arguments.

      • +1

        There is no such thing as ‘right of way’.

        • +2

          That's your right to believe that.

          heh

      • Really depends what's the speed limit and environment.
        Would I slow down in the CBD with narrow path and limit to 50/60 -> probably more often than not
        Would I slow down on 80km drive -> definitely not, it's dangerous.and annoying

  • +23

    You slow down by 5kph at intersections? This is insane.

    • -1

      This is taught in Victoria.

      Also personally, I do this when I'm aware it's likely to change soon, am on a fast road and am not in the middle of traffic. Just lift off the pedal some so you are more prepared to brake if necessary.
      It's safer and good practice

      (So yes, depends on the situation, wouldn't do it within heavy traffic)

  • +50

    That would so fricken irritating to be behind you

  • +15

    No, I drop a gear and disappear.

    • Haha Noice! Username checks out. Does it match your license plate too?

  • +5

    Regardless of whether you have a green light or not, you are legally required to enter the intersection with caution in order to avoid a collision.

    • +2

      Citation needed

      • +3

        Surely the aim to driving is to get to your intended destination safely. If we need citations to determine if we should take precautions to avoid a collision, I wouldn't like to be on the road with you.

        • +6

          If we need to approach each and every single car on the road slowly then traffic won't move

          If each and every driver dropped speed going through traffic lights you'd have traffic jams

          • +6

            @spackbace: No one mentioned "slowly". Ocker mentioned "…with caution…". Every situation is different.

            • +2

              @GG57: OP appears to drop speed enough times that it pisses off his Mrs, which means it's likely the majority of the time

              Not only do drivers behind him need to be mindful of him randomly dropping speed, but also of oncoming accidents. One of those things could be avoided if OP didn't drop speed majority of times

              • +3

                @spackbace: OP is the driver, not his wife.
                Avoiding rear-ending a vehicle is a big consideration. Reducing speed by 5km/hr isn't much; it is just the traffic flow.

                • -3

                  @GG57:

                  Reducing speed by 5km/hr isn't much; it is just the traffic flow.

                  It's not. The traffic flow is the posted speed limit.

                  Traffic signals work when everyone does as dictated. Slow down or stop for Yellow, stop at Red, go through the intersection when you know you have time. It's when people can't do these simple things that accidents happen

                  • -1

                    @spackbace: You've probably never heard of the "Wipe of 5 to Stay Alive" slogan back in the day. Also, I don't always remain at the speed limit. I sometimes speed above by 2kph if I'm in a rush, believe it or not. But yes, my wife calls me a granny driver because she's a lead foot who owned a WRX back in the day. That was a sick car. I consider her a relatively safe driver. She's probably accepted that I do this and remains quiet about it… in most cases. We have young kids, so being cautious on the road is the top priority. That's just me.

                    • -1

                      @Cheap Bastard:

                      You've probably never heard of the "Wipe of 5 to Stay Alive" slogan back in the day

                      Course I have, which was widely laughed at as things like tyres and brakes can make a bigger difference in stopping time

                      I sometimes speed above by 2kph if I'm in a rush, believe it or not.

                      By GPS speed or your own speedo? You seem to throw around small numbers 'willy nilly' when no one really looks down at their speedo to observe the difference. I sure as hell would bet money that you don't look down at your speedo while going through an intersection, so you have no idea how much speed you actually wash off.

                      We have young kids, so being cautious on the road is the top priority.

                      So you have a 2022 car with all the latest safety gear? Regularly check tyre tread depths, pressure and brakes?

                      • +2

                        @spackbace: Slowing down or at least covering the brakes at an approaching intersection means quicker reaction time as well as the stopping distance is reduced. By how much, it depends. It's just physics.

                        I can see where you're trying go with this. Rather than going on a tangent, let's just leave it as… you do you. I'll do me.

                        • @Cheap Bastard:

                          covering the brakes

                          Ok if you have cruise control set or left foot brake in an automatic car.

                          Otherwise if you are covering the brake you are decelerating unnecessarily.

                          • +1

                            @MS Paint: Appreciate the driving advice to cruise control and double feet pedal in suburban/city streets. But I'll pass, thanks.

                    • +1

                      @Cheap Bastard:

                      I sometimes speed above by 2kph if I'm in a rush, believe it or not.

                      You do realise how little time this saves, right? imagine this.. 200km drive @ 100kph.. 120 minute drive. The same drive at 102kph is a little over 117 minutes.. saving you a grand total of just under 3 minutes. It's literally not worth it and not something to brag about.

                      Granted if that additional speed allows you to sneak through one orange light instead of catching the red you'll save more time, but by your admission you slow down for those so you probably wouldn't make it thorugh anyway.

                      • +1

                        @MrKnowItAll: Given the discrepancy between speedos and real GPS speed, it'd be interested to see how fast or slow OP is actually going

                        And then if the speedo is analogue it's even more difficult to specifically do 2 over

                      • -2

                        @MrKnowItAll: I think you're putting too much thought into that comment and taking it out of context. But that's ok.

                        FWIW, I have a digital HUD. And I'd occasionally flick cruise control to 102kph on freeways because my wife suggested it at one point in time. Any faster, and I'd be fined for speeding.

        • We need a citation when someone claims it is legally required.

        • +1

          "you should exercise caution while driving"

          "HURR CiTaTioN nEEdeD"

        • +1

          you are legally required to enter the intersection with caution in order to avoid a collision.

          Law doesn't say you have to slow down though… as OP is discussing

          • -3

            @spackbace: Tell that to the judge, or you insurance company

            • @Ocker: For what? Why do you think I'll have an at-fault accident while using an intersection as it's legally intended?

              • @spackbace: Because there has already been a precedent in an insurance claim where the driver proceeding through a green light was held partially responsible when they hit a car going through the red light.

                • +4

                  @Ocker:

                  when working out whether a party is liable, notwithstanding any precedence or right of way

                  Again, I'll repeat, why do you think I'll have an at-fault accident while using an intersection as it's legally intended?

                  There's no precedent set about me driving straight through a clear intersection, at the posted speed limit, and being held accountable for someone turning in front of me. They're the one's at fault. Simple

            • +1

              @Cheap Bastard:

              No.

              There we go

            • +1

              @Cheap Bastard: Stop referencing tips for learners. This is because inexperienced drivers can panic when lights change at intersections (from green to yellow). This link is NOT for driving through an intersection as a normal driver AT ALL.

            • @Cheap Bastard: This link seems to be referring to intersections without traffic lights though.

      • +2

        Defensive driving.

    • +4

      To pass the P test in NSW if you are the first through a newly green light you need to look both ways before proceeding (in case there's a nutcase that's going to barrel through their red light).

      • in case there's a nutcase that's going to barrel through their red light

        I'll repeat, if everyone did the right thing by the lights, this would be a non-issue. But if everyone drove overly cautionary, acting like everyone was about to hit them, it would be chaos and we'd all be doing a snail's pace

        • +4

          if everyone did the right thing by the lights, this would be a non-issue

          Unfortunately the only person we can control is ourselves and we have to do whatever will get the best outcome for ourselves. A bit like the prisoner dilemma where this ends up as a mediocre result for everyone

          • -2

            @Quantumcat: Yet there's a reason we don't all drive at 5 kph with bubble wrapped cars

        • +1

          The number of people thinking they can make it by speeding up at a yellow light is astounding.

      • +8

        Doing exactly this saved my life one night as a semi ran a red at full speed. My life flashed past my eyes. I was in shock.

        • +2

          Did your username check out?

          Glad that you paid attention in your driving lessons and are still with us!!

          • +1

            @Quantumcat: Dunno that night, I looked both ways before hitting the accelerator. The truck ran through as I turned my head to the right. If I had shot off as soon as it turned green, I would have been gone for sure.

            • +1

              @skid: A colleague of mine had a similar experience but he was only saved because he was trying to play a different song on Spotify and didn't notice the light change right away

      • This is not on topic.

        The OP is not at the lights they are slowing before the lights.

  • +38

    OP also does 80 in the right lane on the hume hwy with a limit of 110

    • -4

      On rainy days, it's 60. lol

      • TBH, there have been a few "rain events" recently where driving even at 60 is probably dangerous.

        • Any solution when wipers already on max but the downpour just keeps smashing the windscreen with no visibility out front and car feels like hydroplaning.

          • @dcep: I'd be pulling over and stopping in an emergency lane with hazard lights on

            • +2

              @GG57: Emergency lane? Nah I wouldn’t say that is safe at all. Bigger chances of being wiped out by an out of control car or truck.
              Maybe take the next exit and find a safe spot to wait it out if it is that bad.

              • -1

                @Save 50 Cent: So, keep driving in undriveable / dangerous conditions (no visibility out front and car feels like hydroplaning) for another x kms? I consider that to be even more dangerous.
                Hazard lights flashing other drivers to exhibit caution. If I can't see where I'm going and the car is aquaplaning, they are in the same boat.

                • +3

                  @GG57:

                  they are in the same boat.

                  Literally

                  :P

      • You'd fail a driver's test if you did 80 or 60 in a 110 zone. Shows you're not confident and can't maintain speed.

        • +1

          Obviously I was joking. 😂 I don't recommend anyone doing it in normal circumstances

  • -7

    Depends if it's ones where cars can turn at anytime then yes I do slow do a bit.

    Personally I hyper mile so coast a lot and get over taken heaps

    92km on freeways

    • Depends if it's ones where cars can turn at anytime then yes I do slow do a bit.

      I don't do this under normal conditions.
      But you're not wrong to as long as you don't hard brake and check your rearview mirror if attempting.

      92km on freeways

      Make sure you stay to the left

      These are my opinions, but I'm a shit driver as noted by the experts here. So take it all with a grain of salt.

  • Most intersections with controlling traffic lights have a reasonable amount of visibility as you are approaching. I use this to make an initial determination if the lights are likely to change by the time I get there. Sometimes I get it wrong and make it through on the green a couple of seconds later than if travelling at the speed limit; sometimes I get it right and safely come to a controlled stop as the lights change.

    BTW, the speed limit is just that, the maximum limit. As OP says, drivers need to also factor in other things (weather, traffic congestion, blind stops from cars/objects obstructing views from either side, traffic light cycle time, etc).

    • -3

      BTW, the speed limit is just that, the maximum limit.

      Yet the main discussion is about dropping speed going through traffic lights.

      Driving to conditions are just driving 101, but dropping speed more times than not is unnecessary

    • I just trust my brakes and make a snap decision whether to go or stop if it suddenly turns yellow.

  • +21

    Every time I reach an intersection I perform an advanced mathemthacial calculation in my head.

    Depending on time of day, traffic, number of cars stacked up at various entries and how long I have seen it green for. Then I perform a determination on probability's of the various outcomes and drive to those conditions. Safety is always a paramount factor in edge cases.

    For intersections where you don't have prior intel just drive to the conditions and more conservatively, as opposed to "home turf".

    • You started off sounding like something out of a science fiction story. Haha

      Driving is such a difficult thing. So many things can go wrong, quickly. Everyone drives/behaves differently and there is no universal way to read them. Having to deeply concentrate so much at every stretch of road, rather than just chill, would be quite exhausting I think. TBH, I just can't wait for automous cars to legally drive us all around. Because I'm not rich enough to have a chauffeur.

      • +2

        Because I'm not rich enough to have a chauffeur.

        Let your wife drive you. Please, for ours sake.

        • And for her sake too

  • +13

    Are you also one of those people who slows down when approaching a green light and then slams the brakes on instantly when it turns yellow even though you and a few cars behind you could have easily cleared the intersection had you just driven normally?

    • +3

      No. I definitely like to get through yellows if it's safe to do so. Sudden hard breaking is dangerous with others following behind.

      • Sudden hard breaking is dangerous

        Anything BREAKING can be dangerous.

        However braking is a normal part of driving.

  • +33

    I'm not trying to attack you personally, but people that slow down at green lights through an intersection really piss me off. Getting stuck at one light often means you get stuck at the next one and the one following.. and the one following that.

    Tip 1: Learn to scan ahead and side-to-side for potential dangers as you drive towards intersection rather than just slowing down for no reason.

    Tip 2: Listen to the wife!

    • +1

      Yes! Please listen to your wife. That should be the one principle you should apply generally.

      • +1

        Happy wife, happy life. Yeah yeah I know I know

    • +4

      Is that you, babe? lol

      • +2

        No BJ for you! haha

  • +7

    I’ve seen too many DCA videos to know you should slow down, also when there’s stopped traffic and there’s a keep clear on the opposite direction

  • +2

    My instinct tells me to accelerate as fast as legally and safely possible before the lights turn red again..

    Your example of slowing down at least 5kph does not make sense at all. What is important is the actual speed, whichever it is, 20kph, 40kph, 60kph, etc. Are you saying that you you must be at least 5kph less than the speed limit? or than the other cars? If traffic is already running at 20kph there is really no point at all in slowing down.
    Slowing down may or may not be dangerous, but it obviously reduces traffic flow, and is a jerk move without strong safety reasons. Your fear of being sideswiped by an emergency vehicle or semi, applied generally, is not really justified, get over it.

    • Maybe this just stuck with me from back in the good ol' days

      Every situation is different I don't live by this on every stretch of the road for all intersections. It was probably more of a general statement.
      But if there is a car driving beside me, and the lanes in front of us are clear and we can punch it, but there is an idle big truck on either side of us ahead of us at the oncoming intersection. If the lights are still green but unsure of when they'll go yellow, I'll certainly be letting him slip in front if he wants by me slowing down a touch. Braking speed is probably relative to the current speed limit, so not a hard rule to be at least 5kph. Hope this 'jerk' kind of clears things up for you =)

      • What's the relevancy of that youtube video? It's an ad to persuade people to obey speed limit, not to slow down at traffic light. It does not even show how the accident happens.

        Every situation is different I don't live by this on every stretch of the road for all intersections

        Yes every situation is different, and that is exactly my point. It should not be the general statement. Rather, the general statement is "do not slow down necessarily". That includes not slowing down at intersection when the lights are green. Does not mean you can't slow down if needed.
        Your poll is missing one important option: "No, but it depends on the situation"

        And regarding to avoid getting sideswiped, wouldn't it go both ways? Either slowing down or speeding up will change the timing and affect the chance of crash.

        • Seems by the comments of others, there are different views on what is necessary for a car to slow down at an intersection. This is of no surprise.

          Yes, it may be too general of a question to make for something that is circumstantial and complex. But running over a child is more traumatizing than getting side swiped.

  • +2

    "I watched you very carefully. Red light stop, green light go, yellow light go very fast."

  • +1

    Slow down to legal speeds and check for speed cameras if it's an unfamiliar intersection.

    No cameras, then speed up again.

    Doing my bit to keep the traffic flowing.

    • Slowing 5km (even from 60km/hr) is not excessively slow, so is legal.

    • +4

      An even better idea is to always drive the speed limit, not just where you think there might be speed cameras. Some people struggle to understand this especially at roadworks.

      • -3

        I drive to the road conditions.

        I slow down to 40 when people are working on the side of the road but will 'speed' over the signposted 40km/hr limit if no one is working.

        Lazy construction workers leave their 40 speed limit warning when they go home for the day.

        • -4

          This has been discussed here before https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/587825

          The Department is obliged to ensure a safe environment for all road workers and road users, and the speed limit applies to any hazardous area where roadworks are progressing, whether workers are present or not.

          • @AustriaBargain: A bit like the boy who cried wolf…

            • @JimB: I kinda enjoy going the speed limit at empty roadworks. All those cars queued up behind me, all the empty space in front of me as the cars ahead speed off at 110 in a "40" zone. Makes me feel powerful.

              • @AustriaBargain: What ever gets you off…

                • +1

                  @JimB: Forcing you to have to follow the law because the roadworks has narrowed the road so much it's impossible to pass me gets me off.

                  • @AustriaBargain: How many people does it take to ignore a law before it comes null and void? I've heard this is a thing.

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