How about a different metric? I’ve never been in an accident in 45+ years of driving, lived & drove all around the USA, a fair bit on a motorcycle.

Yeah, maybe just luck, which could run out tomorrow, T-boned. The idea of anticipating what others may do comes to mind.

Yes, I’ve hit a few deer, got stuck in the snow a few times, but never bent metal. I’m just ‘the gray man’, in my red truck.

quote:

Originally posted by jed7s9b:
Gotta say it. If you are stopping at an intersection, even one with a green light, you need to be behind the stop bar.

But we all know people just pull out into the intersection and complete that turn after the red or get stuck sitting in the way. If you’re waiting, wait behind the line.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
If you do not have a badge and a whistle, you can frantically wave your arms around like some Jedi in the middle of a bunch of Clones during Order 66 while I ignore you.

I obey all traffic signals, signs, markings and if a po-leec-man is present, what him/her directs me to do.

And if I encounter anyone that is not playing by the rules, I will consider if it is gonna mess up my paint or clean (for more than 50 years) driving record, and drive accordingly.

I Ray Charles all the rest.

100%. I watch a Youtube channel called Dashcam Lessons. Typical reel is 8 minutes of asinine drivers. For me there is value in watching. One of the frequent incidents is a multi-lane road where the driver in the right lane is stopped and a driver pulling out from the right and making a left turn moves forward then hilarity ensures on the middle lane. My learnings? 1) I never wave another driver through and 2) I never make a left turn unless I can see the whole intersection.

quote:

Originally posted by jed7s9b:

quote:

Originally posted by jed7s9b:
Gotta say it. If you are stopping at an intersection, even one with a green light, you need to be behind the stop bar.

But we all know people just pull out into the intersection and complete that turn after the red or get stuck sitting in the way. If you’re waiting, wait behind the line.

Obviously you are another who needs to read and understand the traffic laws in your state of residence. BTW, every state traffic law must adhere to the Federal Standards and those standards ensure uniformity. States that stray from the Federal Standards can have their Federal Highway Funding withheld. Which means that if you live in the USA your state traffic laws will match my state's traffic laws.

Under the Federal Standard you may enter an intersection of the light is green or yellow. In addition you may proceed thru an intersection if the light turns Red while you are within the intersection. Finally if you have legally entered an intersection you do have the Right of Way over any crossing traffic even when the light is green for that crossing traffic.

The reason for these standards is very simple. It's all about keeping traffic flowing efficiently. The opportunity to turn left at an intersection can be quite limited when traffic is heavy. Because of this the law encourages drivers to "stake a claim" on proceeding when the light changes. If everyone had to come to a complete stop at an intersection for a left turn then executing that left turn could take many cycles of the traffic light. This would then lead to severe congestion and incidents of Road Rage. So do NOT stop at that white line if the light is green or yellow, enter the intersection and complete the turn when the light changes. I will also note that if you pull in deeply enough so the nose of your car is at the lane divider for cross traffic the car behind you will be able to legally enter that intersection. Thus allowing 2 cars to make a left when the light is cycling.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Scooter123,