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DCragtop @ Apr 14th 2008 8:12AM
Interesting and disgusting story but what exactly is the minimum timing for a yellow?
Does it vary state to state or is there a DOT standard across the board?
geo.stewart @ Apr 14th 2008 8:30AM
rules are set by state DOT but
"the federal guidelines state that a yellow light should be from 3-6 seconds in length, reserving higher intervals for use on approaches with higher speeds"
Notable is how frequently 1) these are not adhered to and 2) that individual lights can be inconsistent. I have seen a couple of cases where the arguments are that there have been 20% variances on the stated time by the governing body.
jake @ Apr 15th 2008 3:14AM
F*CK THE POLICE!
And the same for rapacious city councils as well.
The fact is that by simply making yellows LONGER there would be far fewer accidents.
Big Brother has arrived and he is watching YOU.
Gene @ Apr 15th 2008 4:34AM
The minimum time an amber light must stay lit depends on several things. First the speed limit coming into the intersection. The speed limit coming into the intersection may require a longer amber light. The amber light must allow all traffic a safe time to stop for the light. The next is the type of traffic that is encountering the amber light. I mean if there is heavy truck traffic encountering these lights they may need a longer amber light to stop safely. The next is the condition of the road. Are you going to encounter the light going down a steep grade or on a level road. Remember, all traffic must be allowed enough time to stop safely. A loaded tractor trailer coming down a hill may need 7 or more seconds of time to slow down and stop for the signal. The fuel consumption raises sharply for a loaded tractor trailer when it has to stop on a suburban area heavily laden with traffic lights. I have seen stop lights change to red at each intersection driving on rural roadway. This stooping and starting reflects on higher grocery bills as needed to defray the transportation costs. The road condition also plays a vital role in how fast a car, tractor trailer can stop. If there is snow, ice, or wet pavement then the stopping distance will be greater. Many drivers are taught the 2 second rule. The actual safe stopping distance recognized by transportation officials is 7 seconds. Cities and state officials that do not allow for a safe stopping distance should be fined. This unsafe practice of shortening amber lights contributes to many accidents that could have been avoidable. How many state officials stand up and say that prices are to high? Do they go out and give drivers a safe driving condition on the road? No, they are busy collecting fines. Do your insurance rates raise because of these situations? Yes, The more accidents there are in an area, the higher the insurance costs will be. Who ends up paying in the long run from increased accidents? All of us. Someone needs to pay the cost of the injured, damage, and liability. We need a change!!! Elect me for the Federal Transportation Official!!! I will make a safer America!!! I will drive costs of driving down!!!