Quote:
Originally posted by sixto
That's another stupidity. The folks with a flashing red don't necessarily know that cross traffic doesn't have a flashing red and worse might think that they do. Someone might proceed after a full stop expecting cross traffic to stop for a nonexistent flashing red.
I happen to know that there are intersections like that in San Francisco and drive accordingly. The first time my sister ventured into the city she figured the other direction had a flashing red as well and ended up getting her bumper clipped. The other guy sped off so she charged it to a hit and run.
I haven't read a driver handbook in many years. What does 'treat it as a caution' mean? No passing and keep your positions? Can you weave in your lane to keep your tires warm?  Seriously, should I slow to under the limit but sail through the intersection anyway? Won't that just upset traffic in the other directions?
Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD
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I just take extra care when I approach this type of intersection, just like most people don't know the left lane is the passing lane only, likewise not many people know about this light rule. The people with the red flashing light have to come to a full stop, if they don't they are breaking the law! The orange flashing light is a caution that there is a cross street ahead and to slow down. Orange flashing light is not a license to go charging through the intersection like it isn't there.
I found the following description on my states transportation website:-
Flashing lights
Flashing red (stop signal)
When a red light is flashing, vehicles must stop before proceeding. A flashing red signal acts in much the same way as a stop sign.
Flashing yellow (caution signal)
When a yellow light is flashing, vehicles may proceed through the intersection cautiously.