US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Apr 21st 2005, 2:28 am
#46
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Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
There's a certain spot in downtown Durham where I've stopped, at a red light, and found that the car in front does a left on red! This is not legal in NC. I've seen this happen in daylight as well as at night. Some people are just so impatient...
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
Apr 21st 2005, 2:29 am
#47
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Location: Waukee, Iowa
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Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by Neathborn
At least in the U.S. they don't have "priority from the right..."
Apr 21st 2005, 2:36 am
#48
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 307
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by CalgaryAMC
Hampton Roads is special. Motorists there fly in the face of game theory and co-operate. They recognize that if we all speed, then our chances of being the poor bugger are slim. I think it is also a civil disobedience thing -- a protest against the utter absurdity of having a 55mph limit on 10 lane highways.
Yes, they're definitely crazy in Hampton Roads. There's recently been a big campaign asking cars to slow down in construction areas -- drivers are asked to reduce their speeds from 60 to 45 in a work zone. Hasn't made a blind bit of difference. Whilst sedately sticking to 45mph through Newport News where work was going on, I was the only car going that slow. Plenty of big trucks were whizzing by at over 60!!!
Apr 21st 2005, 3:22 am
#49
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
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Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by CalgaryAMC
I wouldn't stop for lights in downtown Durham either.
It's not as bad as you might imagine... NC Penguin
Apr 21st 2005, 3:28 am
#50
You Are All Diseased
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Farnham, UK
Posts: 4,511
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by ImHere
Uh yeah but in Britian isnt there some kind of whacky drive to put traffic lights on roundabouts?
Apr 21st 2005, 3:34 am
#51
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Mother Land.
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Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by rincewind
Nice one in Bracknell and I swear there's a few in Milton Keynes.
Apr 21st 2005, 3:44 am
#52
You Are All Diseased
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Farnham, UK
Posts: 4,511
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by britvic
The biggest I'v seen is in Camberley Surrey with lights, and I loved driveing round Milton Keynes because of the round abouts, traffic always flowing!!!
I used to hit that on my way to the Rock Box for my weekly metal LP fix and then the Agincourt Nightclub. Oh, those were the days
Apr 21st 2005, 11:31 am
#53
Just around the next bend
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,276
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
That would be the average American's way of dealing with the very same situation!
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
Apr 27th 2005, 10:57 pm
#54
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Location: Philadelphia, soon New Orleans
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Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
Not true! In many states it is legal to turn left on red, going from one-way to one-way streets.
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In most US states and Canadian provinces, when turning left from one one-way road into another one-way road, you can turn left on a red circle light provided you first come to a complete stop and make sure that the way is clear, and also provided there is isn't a sign indicating "No turns on red". My thanks to Paul Johnson for reminding me of this rule. I suspect that many motorists are unaware that they can legally turn left on a red light in these circumstances, which may cause some confusion
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It is illegal to turn left on a red light, even from one one-way road into another one-way road, in the city of New York and the Canadian Province of Québec. It is also illegal for school buses carrying pupils throughout New York State. Justin JIH (external link verified Jun-03) states that it is also illegal (for all vehicles) in Connecticut, the District Of Columbia, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina (although a law is due to passed soon to permitting), Rhode Island, parts of South Dakota and Guam.
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So something as potentially vital and dangerous as this differs from state to state. I love it. Vive la difference.
Apr 28th 2005, 1:33 am
#55
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Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Nuevo Mexico
Posts: 4,452
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by grapefruit&milk
I suspect that many motorists are unaware that they can legally turn left on a red light in these circumstances, which may cause some confusion
Apr 28th 2005, 3:45 am
#56
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
Most Americans are indeed unaware of this rule, so you must exercise caution. I have scared the crap out of many an American passenger by exercising my legal rights!
Extreme horrors and vengeances and poor driving
Two great rocks for a long time will make war
Drinking by force the waters poisoned by sulfur
Apr 28th 2005, 4:32 pm
#57
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by Nostradamus
The new city contemplating a condemnation
Extreme horrors and vengeances and poor driving
Two great rocks for a long time will make war
Drinking by force the waters poisoned by sulfur
Extreme horrors and vengeances and poor driving
Two great rocks for a long time will make war
Drinking by force the waters poisoned by sulfur
NC Penguin
Apr 28th 2005, 4:35 pm
#58
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
Most Americans are indeed unaware of this rule, so you must exercise caution. I have scared the crap out of many an American passenger by exercising my legal rights!
NC Penguin
