Intersection with Stale Green Light and Pedestrian
You are riding your motorcycle on a four-lane arterial road with a speed limit of 60 km/h. You approach a signalized intersection where the light has been green for a while (a stale green). As you get closer, you notice a pedestrian on the right sidewalk who appears to be waiting to cross. The pedestrian is looking at their phone and may not have seen you. You are in the right lane, traveling at 55 km/h. The intersection is about 40 meters ahead. There is a vehicle closely behind you. The light is still green, but you anticipate it may change to yellow soon. You must decide whether to proceed through the intersection or prepare to stop.
1. What are the key factors to consider in deciding whether to proceed or stop?
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Key factors:
- Stale green light: The light has been green for a while, so it could change to yellow at any moment. You need to be prepared for that.
- Pedestrian: The pedestrian is distracted and may step into the crosswalk. You must be ready to yield if they do.
- Following vehicle: A tailgater behind you means sudden braking could risk a rear-end collision. You need to signal early and brake gradually.
- Distance to intersection: 40 meters at 55 km/h (about 15.3 m/s) means you are about 2.6 seconds away. If the light changes to yellow, you need to decide quickly.
- Your speed and stopping distance: At 55 km/h, your total stopping distance (including reaction time) on dry pavement is roughly 40-50 meters. So you are close to the limit of stopping comfortably.
- Road conditions: Assume dry unless stated otherwise.
Decision:
- If the light is still green when you are within the intersection dilemma zone (typically 2-3 seconds from the intersection), you should proceed if you cannot stop safely. However, because of the tailgater, you should avoid hard braking. Check your mirrors, signal early, and if you decide to stop, brake gradually to give the tailgater time to react.
- If the light turns yellow as you approach, you must decide: if you can stop safely, do so; if not, proceed with caution. But be aware of the pedestrian.
2. How should you communicate your intentions and adjust your speed as you approach the intersection?
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Communication and speed adjustment:
- Signal early: If you plan to stop, tap your brakes to activate the brake light early, alerting the driver behind. If you plan to proceed, maintain a steady speed and be ready to stop if the light changes.
- Cover the brakes: Keep your fingers on the brake lever and foot on the brake pedal to reduce reaction time.
- Scan the intersection: Look for the pedestrian and any other potential hazards. Make eye contact with the pedestrian if possible to ensure they see you.
- Adjust speed: If you decide to stop, reduce speed smoothly. If you proceed, maintain a speed that allows you to stop if the light changes suddenly. Do not accelerate to beat the light.
- Position: Stay in the right lane, but be prepared to move left if the pedestrian steps out. However, do not swerve without checking mirrors.
- Be prepared for the light to change: If it turns yellow and you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution, watching for the pedestrian.
3. If the light turns yellow as you are about to enter the intersection, what should you do?
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If the light turns yellow:
- Assess stopping ability: If you can stop safely before the intersection (i.e., you have enough distance and it won't cause a rear-end collision with the tailgater), do so. Brake gradually and check your mirrors.
- If you cannot stop safely: Proceed through the intersection with caution. Do not accelerate; maintain or slightly reduce speed. Be prepared to stop if the pedestrian steps into your path.
- Watch the pedestrian: The pedestrian may decide to cross when they see the yellow light or the walk signal. Be ready to yield.
- Do not run a red light: If you enter on yellow, ensure you clear the intersection before it turns red. If you misjudge and it turns red, you may be in violation, but safety is paramount. However, you should not enter on red.
- Communicate: If you proceed, keep your brake light on if you are slowing, and be predictable.
- After clearing: Continue scanning for other hazards and adjust your speed to the flow of traffic.