It's something countless motorists loathe, but we all find ourselves waiting at traffic lights occasionally and, when you wait, there are specific rules you need to follow. After all, we require them to keep traffic moving and help ensure drivers remain safe; nevertheless, it appears there's one thing numerous drivers have been doing incorrectly for years.
According to a driving instructor, there's one aspect many people misinterpret regarding motoring, and it concerns the significance of a green traffic light. James Simpkins, who regularly posts advice and guidance on his TikTok channel, recently clarified everything in a frank video and he confirmed when the light turns green, it isn't actually instructing drivers to "go".
James said he's witnessed people "smashing the gas" far too frequently when a light changes to green, and it's a mistake people shouldn't make. He said he observes issues "daily", because people don't conduct the necessary checks and drive safely.
He clarified: "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."
James urged motorists to take responsibility and exercise maximum caution whilst driving. He emphasised that drivers must ensure they carry out proper observations at all times.
Excellent driving is "all about attitude", the expert explained, stressing that motorists simply need patience and must complete all necessary checks. Following his post going live, viewers praised his educational content as "really good".
One person commented: "Thanks a lot. This is very helpful and important." Another added: "Really great advice, which hundreds of drivers probably don't know. Well explained."
A third responded: "Nice clips and nice explanation. Brief, clear and relevant. Thanks."
Meanwhile, a fourth also remarked: "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."
If you remain baffled about what the green traffic light signifies, the Highway Code provides a comprehensive explanation of what you need to understand.
You might be astonished to discover what certain signals actually indicate. The website states: "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."
