WHY IS IT DANGEROUS? |
This is what the highway code says about a green light:
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"GREEN means
you may go on
if the way is
clear. Take
special care if
you intend to
turn left or right
and give way
to pedestrians
who are
crossing" |
| The problem: The introduction of single direction 'phased'
lights and filter lanes has made some junctions safer, but by equal
measure has introduced uncertainty and confusion as to
junction priorities. |
TWO SETS OF LIGHTS WITH
ONE BIG DIFFERENCE !
SAFE - When
vehicles can only move from one direction, due to 'phasing' of the
traffic lights, collisions cannot occur. |
Example
of a safe 'phased' junction
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Green means Go,
you have priority
in all directions. |
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| UNSAFE -
When vehicles can move from two directions and are in competition
for the road space within the junction, such as right turns, collisions
can occur. |
Example
of an unsafe junction |
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GREEN means Go BUT
Give way when turning right! |
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SAME LIGHTS,
BUT
DIFFERENT RULES
= CONFUSION, DELAYS & ACCIDENTS!
Delays: Drivers slow down or stop to give way
unnecessarily when they have sole right of way.
Accidents: Drivers fail to recognize that vehicles
from other directions also have right of way.
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Q. Turning right, how can you tell if you have to
give way?
A. You have to 'read' the traffic
and judge for yourself.
Giving drivers a distinct warning would be much safer.
When road management authorities
install traffic light signals, they are creating a 'controlled
environment'.
In doing so they have a 'duty of care' to warn of
potential safety hazards or dangers posed by managed vehicle flows
moving within the junction.
Currently there is no sign
or signal that they can deploy to fulfil this duty!
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| Case study: This sign is proof that a
warning works |
| This junction was always covered in broken headlight
glass and indicator lenses - UNTIL the local authorities put up this
sign. |
IT WORKED! - accidents were drastically reduced
But this sign is only a partial solution. Why?
Because:
It is illegal under the DFT rules!
It can only be read by the first one or two vehicles in the right
turning lane.
You need to be able to read and understand English to take heed of
the warning. |
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