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.
Pick One