It's something a lot of drivers detest, but we all get stuck at traffic lights from time to time. After all, we need them to maintain traffic flow and to help keep drivers safe; however, it turns out there's one thing many drivers have been getting wrong for years.
According to a driving instructor, there's one thing a lot of people misunderstand when it comes to motoring, and it involves the meaning of a green traffic light. James Simpkins, who often shares tips and tricks on his TikTok channel, recently explained all in a candid video and he confirmed when the light goes green, it isn't actually telling drivers to "go".
James said he's seen people "smashing the gas" far too many times when a light turns green, and it's an error people shouldn't make. He said he witnesses problems "daily", because people don't make the relevant checks and drive safely.
He explained: "One of the biggest problems with traffic lights that I witness is people, when they get a green light, they think it means go, but actually it doesn't. It means you may proceed if the way is clear, and that's what you need to consider.
"So, in this case we get a green light, but we still need to make sure that, as we go, the way is clear. So we're looking left, looking right and, sure enough, here's some absolute whopper who decides that's a good time to cycle across the road in front of us.
"If you look at him, he's got headphones in, and I doubt he even looked to see if we were proceeding. Yes, the cyclist has done something wrong but, as a motor vehicle driver, you need to be well aware that what you are driving is a death machine. If you get this wrong, you are going to hurt people."
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James encouraged people to take responsibility, and to take as much care as possible when driving. He said people have to ensure they make the correct observations at all times.
Good driving is "all about attitude", according to the expert, and people just need to have patience and make all the relevant checks. Since he shared the post, people admitted his videos are "really good".
One person said: "Thanks a lot. This is very helpful and important." Another wrote: "Really great advice, which hundreds of drivers probably don't know. Well explained."
A third replied: "Nice clips and nice explanation. Brief, clear and relevant. Thanks." Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "People drive forward in the junction and they sit there and use a horn in anger because you're blocking them. Actually, you shouldn't have gone in the first place."
Far too many times I see people at traffic lights simply smashing the gas on at a green light, no checks at all. I witness problems nearly daily. It doesnt take much to keep an eye out and keep each other safe #driving #drivinglessons #drivingtips #drivinginstructor #drivingtest
If you're still confused about what the green traffic light means, the Highway Code offers a detailed breakdown of what you need to know. You may be surprised to hear what some signals actually tell you.
The website reads: "RED means ‘stop’. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway. RED AND AMBER also means ‘stop’. Do not pass through or start until GREEN shows.
"GREEN means you may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if you intend to turn left or right, and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
"AMBER means ‘stop’ at the stop line. You may go on only if the AMBER appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident."
