I was driving north along McClintock last Sunday when I came to the odd cross walk just south of the canal - almost to Guadalupe. The pedestrian lights above it were flashing red as I pulled up next to the intersection. I usually slow way down at that stretch of the road anyway, because that crossing is so different than any other I am used to. I always carefully look both ways in case of someone I don't see. (So, if you are following me there, caution; my brake lights will always be ahead of you.)
Stopping, I had a front row seat to watch a little family cross, complete with a baby stroller and a dog. They made it safely across, all the while the red light above them flashed away. Waiting for the light to change, and not sure of what to expect next, I was surprised when the driver 2 lanes down from me continued on through the red flashing lights. (I was still waiting for pedestrians; they could have been my own children.) I was also confused. How could he be so careless and disregard the red lights? It seemed nervy! As I sat there dumbfounded, I noticed a second sign below the lights that read, "Proceed when clear". Now I understood why the driver didn't hesitate. . . But I have a hard time with the sign
When did going through a red light become legal? If the city wants to prevent accidents, I think all red lights should be honored. No exceptions. (Maybe you should never be caught driving behind me there, because now I will probably always stop no matter what the color. And I certainly won't be risking my life there as a pedestrian!) Is green going to mean something different now, too? Sorry for my tizzy. On a red light, I vote for no exceptions. Maybe we could stand to wait and take a breather until the detection is clear of pedestrians; then proceed on a green light. . . or a purple one. "Proceed when clear" on a red light is an accident waiting to happen. It tempts drivers to look for shortcuts or loopholes. Driving shouldn't be about shortcuts or exceptions. If the light is red, you stop. If it's green you can go. It's that easy.
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ReplyDeleteHey! I remember that flashing crosswalk well. That's right near our house in Tempe. It is because the lights are flashing, rather than solid, that you can proceed (just like when the lights are out and they flash red turning intersections into 4-way stops). You do, in fact, have to stop first before going and then proceed if no one is in the crosswalk . When they were first installed I feared for anyone crossing there!
ReplyDeletethank-you! You're right about the 4 way stops. I'll still be stopping until the lights readjust. Just sayin'!
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