US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
#31
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
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
#32
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...
#33
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by elfman
I've always thought that Americans have kind of had an entrenched suspicion of roundabouts - and I suspect the "myths and facts" section I found here is a pretty good indicator of many Americans' attitudes towards roundabouts.
West Windsor also decided to get rid of a junction on Route 1 (near I95 junction) a couple of months back and lo and behold this morning there was a big accident with 2 tractor trailers and 2 cars which brought Route 1 North and I95 and the surrounding area to a complete standstill for hours.
There is a 'circle' in this area with no traffic lights but you do have to yield to traffic coming into the 'circle'
Having driven up to Toronto and down to Florida I can honestly say that NJ drivers are probably amongst the worst I have seen.
#34
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,577
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by snowbunny
I'm still trying to picture a big-ass Wal-Mart 18 wheeler trying to navigate one. I think it'd have to drive over the verge in the middle.
There are a few were I live, only small ones though to slow traffic in the suburbs. I heard on the radio people were calling them European traffic control measures, or something similar; there was an argument that they slowed down the emergency services.
#35
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
#36
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AlisonPA
I didn't think any car in the US can turn LEFT on red. Don't you mean right on red?
NC Penguin
#37
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
State driving laws differ as Bob points out some posts above. Doncha just love the US?
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
#38
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AlisonPA
I didn't think any car in the US can turn LEFT on red. Don't you mean right on red?
#39
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.
#40
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.
#41
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by AlisonPA
I have already been told this by NCP thank you and replied. Don't need someone else to tell me thanks
#42
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
When we lived in Ohio, was always seeing the State Tropers nicking people for speeding!!! But here in Virginia they drive like nutters even see huge lorries doing 80+, never see cops till its to late for some poor bugger.
#43
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
There is a traffic circle in downtown Easton is Pennsylvania and it has traffic lights the one that flash yellow and red I had the misfortune of having to use that traffic circle I am sure the yanks just shut their eyes and go it was frightening to see, but then here in PA most motorists drive at 30 miles per hour above the speed limit even trucks frighteningtuff.
#44
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 307
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
At least in the U.S. they don't have "priority from the right" like they do (or did when I lived there years ago -- perhaps it's changed now!) in Belgium. Basically, on many of the smaller roads, you had to always give way to cars coming from the right. Caused a lot of confusion and accidents.
#45
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Re: US traffic lights are inefficient - surprise
Originally Posted by britvic
When we lived in Ohio, was always seeing the State Tropers nicking people for speeding!!! But here in Virginia they drive like nutters even see huge lorries doing 80+, never see cops till its to late for some poor bugger.