Question:
If I am approaching an intersection with lights and the light turns yellow, what should I do?
Answer:
When you are approaching an intersection and the light turns yellow, you should always stop if it is safe to do so. That means making a normal, smooth stop with your vehicle behind the stop line. If you are at the “point of no return”, it is safer to proceed through the intersection than to stop. The key is understanding the “point of no return”.
First, when approaching an intersection with lights, unless you saw the light turn green, you need to assume it could turn yellow at any time. Next you need to ask yourself “if that light turns yellow, can I make a safe stop?” If your answer is yes, that is NOT the point of no return. As you get closer to the intersection and your answer changes to a no, you have reached the point of no return.
Three factors can change the point of no return:
- Speed
- Road conditions
- Traffic behind you
Speed – as your speed increases, the point of no return will be sooner as it will take your vehicle longer to stop.
Road conditions– conditions such as rain, snow, ice, etc. can make the roads slick and increase stopping distance, making the point of no return be sooner than under ideal road conditions.
Traffic behind you – if someone is tailgating you and even a smooth stop could risk being rear-ended, you may choose to proceed through the yellow light rather than stopping.
If you are at the point of no return, be sure to watch for oncoming traffic making a left turn in front of you as the light turns yellow. If you are at the point of no return you have the right-of-way to proceed through the intersection but some people who are in the intersection making a left turn, see the yellow and proceed without ensuring it is clear to go. Always have your hand over the horn and be ready to avoid someone entering the intersection.
Always stop for a yellow light if it is safe to do so and knowing the point of no return will help you make this important decision.
Always drive safe!!