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When many drivers are asked what they should do when the red light turns green, they’ll often say ‘go’. That’s only partially true. It will not always be safe to just go into the intersection when
the green light appears. There’s more to entering an intersection safely than just pressing the accelerator.
The first thing to do as you release the brake pedal is to give the intersection a quick glance from the left, ahead of you, and to the right. This will allow you to see if any other vehicles are
running the red light and to notice if any pedestrians are still walking through the crosswalk or cyclists too.
If you are behind another vehicle when the red light changes to green, wait until the vehicle ahead of you begins to move before you release your brake pedal. There’s no need to move your vehicle if the vehicle ahead of you hasn’t moved yet. Pausing until they begin to move will also help to create a safe following distance immediately upon start-up.
If you are approaching an intersection at a green light or an intersection without traffic lights, look for other road users at the intersection that may attempt to enter at the same time that you are entering. If you feel the right of way should be yours but they have begun to move, it’s perfectly fine to make a couple of quick taps of the horn to warn them before you get there.
Doing something like that can help prevent an incident or a close call, to say the least.
Do your best to maintain a constant speed while traveling through the intersection. Slowing down as you approach the intersection may send a mixed message to other road users who wish to enter the same intersection as you. They may be under the impression that you are slowing down to make a turn. That would typically give them enough time to allow them to proceed.
Intersections are risky places to be. Most collisions in North America happen at intersections because that’s typically where we all cross paths. Sometimes your right of way will be taken from you. No need to fight to get it back. Give it up freely if another road user takes it. It will only cost you a few seconds of your time. Working together is how we all get through intersections safely.