Traffic Lights - Number 6 In Top 10 Causes of Test Failure! - Know What To Do!

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast covers the issues and problems around traffic lights.  It is the number 6 of 10 reasons for test failure according to the .Gov site

Problems:

1.  Not seeing or understanding what the lights mean - Red, Red/Amber, Green, Amber -

2.  Failing to stop at red

3.  Entering Cycle box at lights - not stopping at your stop line

4.  Turning right - whilst waiting the lights change, but dont clear the junction

5.  Progressing at a green light (any direction) but junction is not clear, or road going into not clear.

6.  Blocking traffic when turning right - not seen the obstruction, blocks traffic

7.  Not giving way to oncoming traffic when turning right - with lights on Green.  So causing them to avoid collision or blocking road


Solutions

1.  Get to know the sequence and mean of the traffic lights (discussed at length)

Red - stop
Red/Amber - stop
Green - go (if safe to do so - always check) and remember give way to oncoming traffic
Amber - stop (if you can do so safely )


2.  Anticipation and planning before you get to the lights is critical, so you respond correctly 

3.  Key tips and issues for turning, left - going ahead and turning right discussed at length

4.  point of turn at traffic light controlled right turns is further back as a more sweeping turn right

Safety issues

• Green may mean go - if it is safe to do so, don't assume it will be - 
• Always check if it is clear and safe to proceed 
• if turning right on green light always remember you still have to give way to  oncoming traffic - because your crossing their lane -  many accidents caused by drivers not remembering this one!   
• Don't gamble with Amber - don't rush to get through - plan ahead anticipate the need to stop and slow down in advance of lights to see what stage of the sequence they are at     

Supervising drivers:

1.  Must know the lights sequence and meaning and road markings (cyclists box)

2.  must be aware of the safety points above - learners will need help and support understanding right turns - ie green means go, but still have to give way to oncoming traffic

3.  Be prepared to prompt the learner in advance, what are the lights doing....what might happen next, etc.

If you would like to see more video and resources to help train a learner to drive, visit