talizman

iTrader: (1)

Sitting in a long queue of traffic today, waiting to turn left at a red light, I realised that there was literally no other traffic on the road and that the folk turning left could quite safely, do so, treating the red light as they would a give way sign. Instead, we were all sitting aimlessly at the red phase, unlike America for example, who employ this rule.

Anyone agree, and any other ideas as to what examples set by other countries we should follow?

Cue the "Autobahn" suggestions!

SteveV-WRX

in america it works as a very good system (my dad lives in LA)

I would think that it wouldn't work quite as well here as predominantly our junctions aren't crossroads, so you would not always be able to see oncoming traffic.

all IMHO of course.

Steve

Fuzz

No, Traffic lights in generral should be more "aware" of the surrounding traffic and allow you to continue un-hinderded when there is obviously nothing waiting at the other junction...
I fecking hate sitting at red lights waiting for... nothing

Don't get me started on Lights at roundabouts.......... :evil:

Andy

RUFocused

I sometimes treat a red light as a give way when turning right, only if there are no cars coming towards me turning left

Markus

I'll be honest and say I've been a bad boy and turned left on a red light when I've been back in the UK. It's simply due to me being very used to the reverse (turn right on red-light) over here in Canada. It does make a lot of sense and does tend to speed things up, well, when the right hand lane is an exit only lane and not for going straight ahead as well.

As for it working in the UK, I think it would, do agree some of the junctions with red lights might not be appropriate, but there are a few here where you can't see traffic until you're into the road anyway.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

So, what about on-coming cars going straight across your bows from either direction or any of the other possible permutations?



Not the best admission of driving habits on SN I've ever seen. One that would get you a Careless/Dangerous driving charge if seen in addition to Fail To Comply plus totally roasted/blamed if you caused an accident.



Glad my driving doesn't take me down to Wales too often

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Puff...

I wonder if he has got his left and right mixed up?

It would make more sence to admit treating reds as giveways when turning left, providing there is no oncoming traffic turning right (into your path) surely?

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Maybe he has

Still not a recommended idea for safe and point free driving though...

ChristianR

iTrader: (1)

what is the exact rule in america ?

Markus

Christian - The rule is that if you approach a red light and you are intending to turn right, then if the highway is clear you can proceede to turn right.

if I had my ontario drivers guide on me (it's in the car) I'd tap out exactly what it says.

Markus

As for other countries driving ideas to adopt.

Well, the undertaking thing here is quite good, if you're not of a nervous disposition that is! I think that the drive home from work (427 south, onto Gardiner Expressway East) is the most scary driving experience I've ever had, and I'm used to driving in london and the M25 and other mad roads too, it really is bad! No indication at all!

RUFocused

There are a few roads here that have two lanes, right lane for right turn only,
left lane for straight ahead and left turn.

now there are two sets of lights ahead of me one set controling the left lane and one the right lane, and for some reason the left lane lights are green while the right lane lights are either showing no light at all or red.

As i`ve said earlier if the oncoming road ahead has no cars turning left, obviously no cars are allowed to turn right because my left lane has the right of way to go straight or left. So as in the first post why should i have to sit and wait for a green right arrow to turn if it is safe to do so.

Leslie

There is a traffic light junction in Totnes where you can turn left on red when clear to do so. It works very well and helps to avoid unecessary traffic queues.

Les

Dr Steve

The following is an extract from the Illinois Rules of the Road

Therefore it should be treated as stop, rather then give-way.

mannyo

When I have seen this before in France, I thought it worked well. You can turn right at a red light, as long as the right amber filter light is flashing meaning give way to anything on the crossing road.