Nothing saying you have to go at red lights?
Stopped at red light at inter section. Across the street is a white car that is also stopped at red light. Light turns green. The white car across the street starts to go. I still have some habit...
Forum Discussion
fitznj wrote:
From what I remember from driver ed. a green light is NOT as carte blanche to enter/cross the intersection. A green light means " enter the intersection only if it's safe to do so"; So in your scenario, the white car is equally at fault as it entered the intersection despite the fact that it was not safe.
You on the other hand did not enter the intersection as you deemed it unsafe. Looking both way when the light turns green is prudent.
So what happens when you approach an intersection at speed and the light is already green? By your way of thinking one would have to slow down to ensure it is safe to enter the intersection.
Let's not overthink this. A green light is indeed carte blanche to enter the intersection. A car entering an intersection with a green light is not at fault at all when struck by a vehicle running a red light. The only legal requirement is that you do have an obligation to avoid an accident if it is possible to do so. Knowing someone was running a red light and proceeding anyway because you have the green light would be an example.
