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

Cheap Bastard on 19/01/2023 - 15:53
Last edited 20/01/2023 - 09:37

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.
Automotive

Comments

  • Menzoberranzan on 20/01/2023 - 14:33
    +5

    Lmao I like how OP thought the poll would go in his favour so he could silently gloat at his wife. Suddenly turn tables and everyone is telling OP to learn how to drive

  • Barca123 on 20/01/2023 - 16:24
    +7

    How many times someone in front of me slows down when getting to a green-light intersection, then light turns amber, they happily drive through (sometimes even speed up!), but as a result it leaves me waiting at the red light 😑

  • yamahamoto on 20/01/2023 - 17:36

    If you are going to make a turn do you break or indicate first?

    • CurlCurl on 20/01/2023 - 18:03

      I think its courteous, so I always indicate first.

      • Cheap Bastard on 20/01/2023 - 20:46

        I'm pretty sure I indicate first to let drivers behind know that I'm going to break suddenly. Probably more of a general safety thing. But it's all done subconsciously.

  • Rockets84 on 20/01/2023 - 17:59

    I'll slow down a little bit if hit the intersection and the light goes green before I have to break. There's too many idiots that run the orange and wind up running the red and you could get t boned. It's like when I'm stopped at a red light I always check to my right before I after the light turns green. Seen a couple of cars being t boned in intersection due to vehicles running the red and the car just going when the light goes green. One of those cars hit resulted in a fatality.

    • sriver on 21/01/2023 - 00:20

      I recommend the same rule to pedestrian lights, probably see a car run through pedestrian lights once a month

  • freddofrog42 on 20/01/2023 - 18:22
    +2

    Controversial view I know but having moved from the UK 20 years ago it seemed that Australia had a new non-declared National Sport, namely running red lights.

    It still does to be honest but looking at dashcam videos the Uk's catching up.

  • conza on 20/01/2023 - 18:59

    Adjacent comment, I like on highways when there's those yellow and black traffic light signs that flash amber lights when the lights are changing to Amber>Red. I slow down when I see those lights EVERY time, they're implemented really well and I am quite a fan of them, as in, I have never slowed down, and the lights have been green when I arrived at them/ behind other cars at them.

    However if the intersection is Green, I look at other cues like, is the pedestrian crossing flashing red (if it's solid red it may never have gone off), are the turns signals on my side green, and try to use my best judgement to decide if slowing down is likely to lead to me coming to a more gradual stop at the lights.

    Otherwise, I maintain my speed, and there's a certain point where I figure 'ok I'm here, I'm committed and will make it through even if they turn amber' so any time before that I am just prepared to stop from X speed to zero.

    Therefore, no, I don't as a rule, only if I reasonably predict I'm slowing down for an imminent, change of light. I think I'd be frustrated driving behind you honestly.

    • conza on 20/01/2023 - 19:02

      I'll add, what I do instead which I am unsure if it frustrates other drivers or not. At existing red lights where I think the reverse will happen (it's red, about to go green), I may not stop entirely and will reduce my speed faster, approaching the light / parked car, in the hopes that when it changes I'll be going slow enough and be far enough away that I won't ever have to stop, that's a fun game.

  • ankor on 20/01/2023 - 19:37
    +4

    I hope you understand that the way in which you are driving, creates a continuing risk to not only yourself, but to other people.

    Would you kindly consider going back over the driving regulations or watching some youtube videos about driver safety and driver awareness?

    There are some good resources, particularly in relation to motorcycle riding safety that might be helpful to you.

  • sAmiZZle on 20/01/2023 - 20:34

    Yes, because I've got so used to lights having speed cameras on them. Also, I don't take for granted that just because I have a green light and right of way that everyone is doing the right thing I always half expect some idiot to be running a red.

  • sriver on 21/01/2023 - 00:33

    I used to keep my speed static but these days if I think the light could change then when close enough I’ll cover the brakes until I’m clearly going to make the green, then it’s time to get back on the accelerator.

    I see that there’s a lot of posts in the opposite camp but the reality these days that traffic is shit in every major city and there’s no escaping it, coasting for a moment or keeping bang on the limit isn’t going to lengthen or shorten a trip significantly. Only real way to get somewhere earlier is to leave earlier.

  • Poor Ass on 21/01/2023 - 01:33
    +6

    What a shit post

    Probably one of those guys that stop in the middle of the road to let people on a traffic island cross the street when there's no need to and block up traffic

  • THICKnSLOW on 21/01/2023 - 04:01
    +2

    Once you've experienced being t-boned or t-boning others at any intersection you learn not to trust other motorists. period.

  • Nebargains on 21/01/2023 - 06:24

    Frankly seems dangerous to randomly slow down before a green light when most would not be expecting it. Yes the people behind you need to be paying attention but they are going to be caught or guard when you slow down going towards a light that says go with no obvious hazard.

    Frankly surprised so many people have voted yes.

  • Dsquall on 21/01/2023 - 08:39

    It’s probably reasonable and sensible to not change lanes or accelerate through a set of lights but braking is pretty selfish.

    The only thing that I can think of that could potentially justify that, is someone running a red or a pedestrian running out in front of your car. The first, is something I’ve never seen (someone running a red into free flowing traffic, rather than an idiot that runs a red after stopping and checking because they’re impatient) except on dash cams Australia. The second, tough luck buttercup, usually car beats meat bag.

    If you did a proper risk assessment I would think your actions would be, on the whole, a risk promoting exercise.

  • Aliensf on 21/01/2023 - 08:51

    I do not slow down, I cover my brake and look left and right for other cars and emergency vehicles though.

    • Cheap Bastard on 22/01/2023 - 10:38

      You one of those two feet pedal drivers are you? I'm genuinely interested. I've only tried doing this once or twice, and it felt so unnatural. Light pressure to break with my left foot felt like a sharp stop. Anyways, figured this was a skill for mastered by racecar drivers.

      • Aliensf on 22/01/2023 - 10:42

        Nope, I take my right foot off the accelerator and place it over the brake pedal as I enter an intersection. If your car isn't a piece of crap it shouldn't slow down if you take your foot off the accelerator.

        • Cheap Bastard on 22/01/2023 - 11:23

          By your logic, my car is a piece of crap 😌
          More noticeable if you have a digital speedo.

          • Aliensf on 22/01/2023 - 16:23

            @Cheap Bastard: If it slows down a substantial amount when you stop accelerating instead of just rolling, yes it's crap.

            Heads up displays are great.

  • preddye on 21/01/2023 - 09:39

    When I was doing my red P test I got a fail for not slowing down for a green light that was 'stale'. Thats in nsw if it matters so if your close to a minute away but can see the green thats most likely going to go amber or red by the time you get there and no real harm in slowing down. The issue with taking your foot off the accelerator to do it is that you dont activate your brake lights so the person behind you doesnt have the most obvious signal that your slowing down

    • Cheap Bastard on 21/01/2023 - 10:30

      The issue with taking your foot off the accelerator to do it is that you dont activate your brake lights so the person behind you doesnt have the most obvious signal that your slowing down.

      Yeah I understand your reasoning behind it. My reasoning would be dependant on the environment. E.g. the amount I would lift off would be based on uphill vs downhill traffic light approaches in conjunction with what 'I' deem as hazardous. This is all very subjective as noted by the poll results and comments.

      Interesting that you failed in that situation. Most of us (including me) probably would've probably failed as well.

  • rubixcube101 on 21/01/2023 - 12:00

    Other than that, it's ok to be ignorant. We're all human.

    The self-righteousness in this post is incredible

  • TEER3X on 21/01/2023 - 12:47

    Slow down at intersection where oncoming cars are already turning right

  • nuttapillar on 21/01/2023 - 13:03
    +2

    Anyone who slows down is causing congestion. The entire point of the yellow light is to allow stopping in time before it's red.

  • SlartiBartFozz on 21/01/2023 - 20:10

    Hell No!
    If :
    - there is a slow driver in front of me
    - there is a traffic speed / redlight camera
    - I need to turn a the intersection
    - there are oncoming cars about to turn, esp. an intersection without turn arrows
    - poor visibility (night time, fog, heavy rain)
    otherwise, my speed would be at the limit ±5km

  • billyb67 on 22/01/2023 - 10:41

    I'd hazard a guess that most of those saying No, haven't been T-boned by someone running a red light.

    • Willy Beamish on 22/01/2023 - 11:31
      -1

      You thought you were smart with that comment which is the sad part.

      People running red lights isn't a common thing at all so obviously most people haven't been in that accident. Just like most people haven't been in a plane crash despite flying regularly. Don't base your actions on the minute chance of something extremely rare happening especially when it heightens the risk of more common accidents happening.

      • SlartiBartFozz on 23/01/2023 - 19:08

        Fair — drunk drivers and hoons, late at night, can do some crazy shit on the road — you adjust your approach for your own safety, what you might do in a typical situation with perfect visibility, daylight hours doesn't necessarily apply at all times.

  • Willy Beamish on 22/01/2023 - 11:25

    ? Just do the speed limit….geez.

    If there's no traffic causing you to slow down then wtf are you doing.

    • Cheap Bastard on 22/01/2023 - 11:33
      -1

      Interesting how many people here make quick judgements/assumptions without actually reading the post. You do you.

  • superuser on 22/01/2023 - 11:34

    I floor it mate, why slow down when it's still green?

    • Cheap Bastard on 22/01/2023 - 11:57

      Do you try to floor it through yellows as well to try to cross before it hits red?

  • PurchaseAnxiety on 22/01/2023 - 12:28

    Generally, no. If I’m familiar with the intersection and I recognise that the light pattern means that the lights will probably change, I might ease off a little bit. Or there’s those high speed intersections that have advance warnings when the lights are going to change. But generally, you should be able to keep going at the speed limit to maintain a predictable flow of traffic, and still be able to stop in time if the lights change. There’s no advantage in slowing down.

  • Mumbles on 22/01/2023 - 12:28
    +1

    This sounds like a driver confidence issue. I'd recommend paying for a defensive driver training course and ask all of your questions at the course so they can address your fears and educate you on what safe driving really is.

    If you are driving in the city then I don't recommend uneccessary decelerating and accelerating. The decelerating reduces the safety of the driver behind you as it reduces their stopping distance plus adds mental fatigue and frustration. The drivers behind them then have to decelerate which creates an accordion effect and reduces the stopping distance of the cars behind them. So you've just put a dozen vehicles behind you in a riskier situation than they anticipated. Its selfish to say I don't care about the drivers behind me due to the situation I forced upon them.

    You also mentioned sharing the road with heavy vehicles. Uncessarily decellerating puts the heavy vehicles into a dangerous situation as you have reduced their braking distance.

    Being a motorcycle rider we are more vulnerable and worry more about accidents from intersections than car drivers. Once you get your confidence up you can work on improving practical skills. Admittedly I am unique and employ much more advanced skills than taught on a defensive driver training course. eg. constantly moving motorcycle within lane to be visible in mirrors, late apexing on corners to improve corner visibility, varying speeds to avoid staying in driver blind spots, etc.

    If you truly believe there is no perfect or safest driver then that means there is always room for your personal improvement.

    • TEER3X on 22/01/2023 - 17:43

      I think all motorcycle riders are insane. You would have to be given how many horrible drivers there are.

    • Cheap Bastard on 22/01/2023 - 18:43
      +1

      Hehe just for kicks, I looked up defensive training and it's roughly $300! Although small price to pay for something that can potentially save a life. Thanks for the advice, I may learn it some day. It's a nice change from the usual 'learn how to drive you idiot' that I've been getting on here. 😅 And yes, everyone has room for improvement, even the guys running the defensive training course. If you think you're a perfect driver, you're mostly just complacent.

      I like to think I am part of the accordion congestion minimizer unit that regulates its speeds on occasions while keeping a safe distance, especially when approaching lights. All others are tailgaters here are in a strange hurry that want to blast through yellows.

      I agree with most of what you have said.
      Also, FWIW, I'm one of those guys that when stuck behind in a convoy of traffic, sees a motorcyclist to the left or right, will move to open the gap for them to pass. Occasionally, I'd get a thumbs up as they ride along. Notably because its safer for you guys to be up the front leading the pack as to not get sandwiched between tailgaters. I would suggest everyone to do it… but that won't happen here.

  • Azro on 22/01/2023 - 14:47
    +2

    I don’t get the logic. Being t-boned at 60km/h is dangerous do let’s slow down a bit so we can t-boned at 55? How much more time this difference would give you, extra 50 milliseconds?
    Why not complete stop at green light, walk out of the car, send your wife to check surroundings before you can be sure it’s safe to proceed.

    • Lucille Bluth on 22/01/2023 - 14:53
      +1

      Why not complete stop at green light, walk out of the car, send your wife to check surroundings before you can be sure it’s safe to proceed.

      😅 Don't forget for her to wave him through with illuminated traffic batons

  • jaffar on 22/01/2023 - 16:40
    +3

    Surprised that most people don't alter their speeds around lights. I normally drop my speed fractionally around lights (still in the flow of traffic, slightly larger gap with car in front) and I find that my stops are more gradual/going through ambers are cleaner. The problem I've found with not modifying the car's speed around lights is that most people are doing a couple of k over anyway and many drivers like to accelerate into the amber. It sets up a situation in which the driver behind you may be too close and depending on whether you gun through the amber or brake leaves them less room to brake etc.

    Also depends on whether you are familiar with the light's pattern or not. Traffic lights where you're on the main direction of traffic are good to go as they seldom change however at other junctions the lights are very quick to change if cars are sensed on the other sides so I'm already anticipating this when I approach. Lights located in depressions are also when I'll actively watch/regulate my speed (if there's no lights I'll just let my speedo roll over) just so if I need to stop it's gradual and predictable. From what you've written it sounds like you are just regulating your speed around lights depending on the situation. I thought most people did that 😅…

  • Commander Shepard on 22/01/2023 - 19:18
    +1

    I drive a small car (MX5) and also ride motorbikes. I generally have no issues going the full speed through traffic lights. But I will do a brief check for hazards left and right.

    However, I will shift into a lower gear and slow down a tad and be ready on the brake if the light has changed as I have arrived at speed.

    No one should be slowing down for a well established green light (eg beyond 3 seconds since changing green).

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