Will It Change?!

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Traffic lights are very common in built up areas and are a very effective way to control the flow of traffic at  intersections. They give the traffic clear and simple instructions as to how to behave – who should proceed  and who should stop. The only time you really need to show skill and judgement is when turning right at the traffic lights because unless there is a filter arrow showing, you have to give priority to oncoming vehicles. So in theory, junctions controlled by traffic lights should be the easiest type of intersection for learner drivers  to deal with.

However, many students have problems with traffic lights which cause them to  fail their driving test. So let us go through some of the mistakes that are being made.

Some learners have difficulty stopping in the right place. Remember that if the light is already red as you approach , you should stop without passing the first line. Of course, sometimes the lines are not very clearly marked but keep in mind that the first line is always just before the traffic light on your left. Sometimes it pays to stop a little further back so you can clearly  see that light on your left because some drivers have a habit of creeping forward at red lights and if it is a high sided vehicle next to you that does this it may obscure  the other traffic light opposite you completely!

If the lights are just changing against you as you approach, it doesn`t matter too much if you just pass the first line before you stop, as you don`t want to be stopping too suddenly. However, if you are going to pass the third line and be in the middle of the junction, then you shouldn`t be trying to stop anyway.

This brings us to speed on approach to lights. Some learners make the mistake of speeding up as they approach the lights in order to get there before they change.This is like playing russian roulette-sooner or later you will get caught out and it is very dangerous. Some other learners make the opposite mistake-driving very slowly towards a green light as though hoping it will change. Although not so dangerous this is also wrong and is likely to frustrate and annoy any drivers behind you.

By the time you reach test standard you should have developed a feel for when the traffic lights are due to change. This comes with experience and good observation-for example:-a long line of cars waiting on the left & right of the intersection as you approach could imply that your green light is about to change. So if you sense the light may soon go against you, approach at a speed that you have your options open. Ideally you should have enough momentum that you can actually remove your foot from the accelerator and hover over the brake as you get nearer. When you are about a cars length or so from the lights you can be back on the gas pedal because if the lights start to change then, it is probably too late to stop safely anyway. Always check your mirror so that you know the distance and speed of any vehicle behind you, as this information can influence your decision in a 50-50 situation. Be aware too that many drivers seem to be colour blind and wont necessarily wait for their light to change to green!

Approach the lights in the correct gear-if you are intending to turn you should be slowing to 2nd gear as you get near and even if you are intending to go straight, you should be in no higher than 3rd gear.

As I previously mentioned, turning right at the lights is the most diffcult task. Fortunately most of the traffic lights in built up areas are now fitted with filter arrows which give the first few cars a chance to turn without giving way to oncoming traffic. As you approach a red light to turn right, determine if the light has a filter next to or under the lights and if it does keep your eyes on it. Because of the strong sunlight in Cyprus and the dust that accumulates on the lights(does anybody clean them?), sometimes the only way you will notice the arrow is lit up is if you are looking at it when it comes on. That being said, if there is a car behind you, don`t worry -you will soon be informed by the driver that the filter arrow is on!

If you don`t arrive in time to take advantage of the filter arrow, then remember to give priority to oncoming traffic before turning. If there are already two cars(or one longer vehicle such as a truck) waiting in the middle of the junction to turn right, then stay back until the first vehicle is clearing. If the light is still green you should move forward to become the second car in the middle. If the amber light is on don`t move into the middle-stay where you are and wait for the next sequence of the lights. When you are in the middle and heavy oncoming traffic  has meant you haven`t found a chance to turn right be aware that once the lights are changing against you, you must clear the junction as soon as is safely possible.

You may have to let an oncoming car pass if it is obvious it is not able or willing to stop at the lights just as they are changing-but make sure you don`t get stranded in the middle of the intersection. Sometimes just inching forward slightly gives the hint to a cheeky oncoming motorist that his light is red and he really needs to stop! If you stay completely motionless many drivers will think that this is an opportunity for them to sneak across the red light-they won`t be thinking about poor you getting stranded in the middle of the crossroads with the lights against you!

Whilst waiting at a red light it is advisable to apply the handbrake but- having checked you are in first gear-keep your left hand on the handbrake otherwise if you have put it back on the steering wheel it is so easy to forget the handbrake is on once you see the green light coming on!