(last revised: July 20, 2009)
These posts should always be considered as drafts.
Your comments make a difference, here. -gls
A CURE FOR RED LITE CAMERAS?No sane driver wants to run RED lites. Why would anyone
want to risk being in the middle of an intersection just as
someone else is approaching from the side at full speed?
The Darwin Awards are not that hard up for candidates.
So, if people don't want to run RED lites, why does it happen?
"DILEMMA ZONE"
When the YELLOW lite comes on you are not certain exactly how
much time remains before the dreaded RED lite.
You must judge whether to stop, or proceed through the YELLOW.
The thought processes can become dizzying:
how long does this particular YELLOW stay on?
if I slam on the brakes, will something in the back come hurtling into my head?
will my car be struck from behind?
is the pavement wet or dry?
With all this thinking going on out there, it is a wonder that we don't accidentally
run RED lites more often.
The "Dilema Zone" (ie: Do I Stop or Speed Up?) as it is expressed
by at least one traffic engineer, is a source of driver stress that
we can do without.
It would be nice if we at least had a marker that said to us, "If the YELLOW comes on when you are at the speed limit, at this very spot, then you should proceed. If you have not made it this far, you should stop." There could be problems, such as weather, of course. Any more ideas?
RED LITE CAMERAS?
Cameras may not be the best possible solution to RED lite
runners. Aside from the expense, which is considerable, the
safety factor is questionable. Uncertain drivers sometimes will
stop at YELLOW lites, risking rear end collision. Don't believe it?
"Red-light cameras are blamed for a somewhat higher rate of
rear-end collisions caused by drivers braking suddenly at
intersections when lights turn yellow. "--WASHINGTON
POST EDITORIAL (Monday, February 27, 2006; Page A14)
Moreover, driver reaction has been cynical, many claiming that the YELLOW might be shaved to create violations and gain revenue.
The public can hardly be blamed for skepticism if officials do not
more aggressively seek our input.
If the public had been asked, it is likely that someone would have suggested count down signals such as we now see for pedestrians. Or, rumblestrips to mark the "Go-Zone." Or... How
about a system that requires no investment in new equipment at all? One allowing drivers to know exactly how much time remains before the lite turns RED, and whether to proceed or stop at the intersection.
EXTEND THE YELLOW (AND CALL IT MELLOW)
Let's give drivers a break. If we double the YELLOW time there should be no excuse for running the RED. Plus, to make sure drivers know how long the YELLOW will last, clearly mark the half point. This will not need to extend the time of the cycle. It can be accomplished by simply advancing the YELLOW to overlap the last part of the GREEN.
With this overlapping system, when the driver sees the YELLOW lite
come on, there will be twice as much time and distance to judge
whether to stop or go. (If you are twice as far from the intersection
when you see the lite, aren't you twice as likely to not even think of
speeding up?) When the GREEN disappears, the halfway point has been reached. If the motorist has not gone at least half the distance, stopping is the obvious choice.
The benefits from such a system include:
- fewer driver errors from confusion and frustration.
- Fuel savings will be enhanced as drivers, knowing further in advance, will elect to coast to the intersection.
- Traffic flow could improve as left-turners see their opening sooner.
Can we call it "Mellow Yellow?"
(That's right..)Perhaps this could be tried, first, where red lite cameras exist. Then, those who are ticketed will not be able to complain about the shortness of the YELLOW lite.
What are your thoughts?
(last revised: July 20, 2009... older comments refer to earlier version)