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Dutch Town Removes Traffic Lights!

anthony — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:06:24 +0000

Are Traffic Lights Necessary?

I came across this interesting news item the other day.Traffic planners in the Dutch town of Drachten are conducting an experiment which has seen nearly all the traffic lights removed from the streets!

The idea behind the project known as “Shared Space”, is that taking away the lights makes motorists take more care at intersections as they are aware of the greater dangers! It is said that this idea helps motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to co-exist more happily and safely. If you would like to read the whole article click on this link to the UK Telegraph website

Hmm…what makes me think this approach wouldn`t work in Cyprus?! Perhaps it would make more sense here if we replaced the traditional Traffic lights with a single light that gradually fades from one colour to the next. That would allow drivers more scope for individual interpretation!

Dealing With Traffic Lights

anthony — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:08:24 +0000

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!

Driving In Bad Weather

anthony — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:52:15 +0000

Roads Can Become Rivers!

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Some learner drivers will cancel or postpone a lesson rather than drive when it is raining! If it is your first or second lesson that is understandable but sooner or later you will have to drive in rainy conditions! It could even happen on the day of your driving test, so better to face it before that!

The recent heavy rains, flash floods and localised tornadoes prove that even in “sunny Cyprus” we can experience bad weather conditions whilst driving. So what should we do in these cases? Well, if the weather conditions are extremely bad, you should think twice about using your car in the first place. Is the journey really necessary or can it wait until the weather clears up?

Realistically, there are times when you will have to drive in bad weather so it pays to be prepared in advance. Most bad weather does give some advance warning, so there is no excuse for not at least making some basic checks on your vehicle to ensure it is in tip-top condition. If you have no idea about basic mechanics or are just not interested in doing these checks yourself, get your local mechanic to give your car the once-over before winter begins. Here are a few of the things to check for:

Tyres-Make sure they have plenty of tread left, are not unevenly worn and are inflated to the correct pressure. If you don`t do high mileages in your car, and have had your tyres for some time, check that they have not perished. The strong sun and hot conditions in Cyprus take a toll on rubber and plastic car parts. The tyres may look OK treadwise but if they are very hard to the touch or show signs of cracks or wrinkles on the sidewalls they really should be replaced. Don`t neglect to check the most important tyre you have-the spare wheel!
Windscreen Wipers-Don`t wait until you are caught in a thunderstorm to discover your wiper blades have perished and are smearing instead of clearing the water! Check also that the screen washer system is working. (Putting some white vinegar in the washer bottle can help to stop limescale from clogging up the narrow nozzles that spray the water onto the screen)
Lights-Make sure all your lights are working properly so that you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.
Heater & Screen heater-These are often neglected until they are needed.
Car Battery-Get your auto-electrician to check your battery and electrical system is fit for the extra workload it will face during bad weather conditions.
Antifreeze- Yes, even in Cyprus there are times when your engine cooling system could freeze up over night. Check that you have the correct amount of antifreeze in the system and check all hoses and replace any dodgy ones before they let you down!

Driving in bad weather conditions means making adjustments to your driving style. Most importantly, it will mean driving slower and leaving more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Try to avoid sudden braking or changes of direction, especially if the roads are icy.

If the roads have been dry for a long time, the first rain can leave the road surface very slippery as there will be deposits of oil and tyre rubber which can form a dangerous and invisible hazzard. Expect this mostly at traffic lights and junctions where vehicles are stopping frequently and spending time stationary.

In Cyprus the roads tend to flood very quickly so watch out for deep puddles or even road rivers! Try to avoid the deepest water where possible and drive slowly so as not to get water into your engine bay, or your engine could stall or even be seriously damaged.

Also, try not to drench any unfortunate pedestrian or biker by going through a puddle too fast. If you`ve ever experienced that yourself, you will know how unpleasant it is! I`ve seen a few 4×4 and “double cab” drivers doing this.

When coming out of a deep puddle press the brake pedal lightly for a few seconds to help dry off the brakes.

Switch on your lights when visibility is poor by all means but remember fog lights are only meant for fog! I see a lot of drivers who put them on whenever it rains, with the result that they dazzle other drivers.

There are times when the rain is so heavy that your wipers just can`t cope. If you can`t see properly, the only thing to do is find somewhere safe to pull over and wait for it to ease off.