Should You Proceed When the Green Light is Flashing?
3 Answers
You can proceed when the green light is flashing, and no points will be deducted. The flashing green light serves as a reminder to prepare to stop, but passing before it turns red is not a violation. Steady Yellow Light: Vehicles are not allowed to proceed, but if the vehicle has already crossed the stop line, it should continue. Flashing Yellow Light: Some intersections have only a flashing yellow indicator. In this case, both vehicles and pedestrians must proceed only if it is safe to do so. This is generally used during periods of very low traffic, with all traffic lights at the intersection flashing yellow. Flashing Green Light: This is usually set for 2-3 seconds, intended to inform drivers that the green light is about to end and will change, otherwise, they might run a yellow light.
After driving for so many years, every time I see the green light flashing, I consider it a reminder that the light is about to change, so I shouldn't speed up to rush through but should decide based on the situation whether to safely pass or stop. If I'm still some distance from the intersection, I usually slow down and prepare to stop because it reduces the risk of a rear-end collision. However, if I'm very close and moving at a slow speed, like in city traffic, I might coast through slowly but would never risk accelerating. I remember one time my friend rushed through a flashing green light, only for it to turn red, resulting in a ticket and nearly causing an accident. Overall, my driving experience tells me this isn't just about personal safety but also involves others. It's best to develop the habit of checking the rearview mirror and maintaining a safe distance as soon as you see the green light flash, not letting emotions affect judgment. After all, most accidents stem from haste. Safety first is far more important than saving a little time, especially in congested urban areas where patience is key. I always share this advice with my fellow drivers.
As a regular driver transporting my family, I often encounter flashing green lights, which indicate the signal is about to change to yellow or red. My approach is to assess the vehicle's speed and distance to decide whether to proceed or stop. If the car is far from the intersection, I gently apply the brakes and come to a smooth stop. If already close, I lightly press the accelerator to carefully pass through without sudden acceleration, avoiding rear-end collisions or violations. During the school run with my kids, I take the opportunity to explain this rule to them, emphasizing that judgment is key and not to mimic other drivers' impatience. In fact, a flashing green light doesn’t mean a complete stop is required, but being conservative is better—it saves fuel and reduces wear and tear. Since adopting this habit, I drive with more peace of mind, and my accident rate has dropped significantly. It feels like an added layer of security for my family.
