What to Do When Encountering a Red Light While Driving?
3 Answers
Slow down gradually and brake to wait. Relevant introductions are as follows: 1. Do not use the parking gear: For brief stops such as waiting at a red light in an automatic transmission car, never use the P (Park) gear. The parking gear is intended for long-term parking when you turn off the engine and leave the car. Engaging the P gear locks the transmission gears to prevent the car from rolling. If the car is rear-ended while in P gear, it could cause catastrophic damage to the transmission. 2. Transmission damage: Such damage may not be immediately apparent at the accident scene, and the car may still be drivable. Insurance companies only cover visible damages. The transmission damage may manifest during future use of the car, potentially requiring self-funded repairs or even a transmission replacement.
When I encounter a red light while driving on the road, I usually slow down immediately and come to a smooth stop behind the white line, maintaining a safe distance to avoid tailgating the vehicle in front. During this process, I glance at the rearview mirror to check the situation of vehicles behind me while also observing the pedestrian crossing for anyone crossing the street. If the road is slippery or there is heavy fog, I brake earlier to prevent skidding accidents. Sometimes the red light wait time is long, so I use this interval to relax, collect my thoughts, or listen to music, never getting distracted by my phone. After developing this habit, I find driving to be safer and more reliable, also helping to avoid rear-end collisions or traffic fines. In short, obeying traffic signals is everyone's responsibility—it protects our lives and those of other road users. Practicing smooth stops regularly can turn them into instinctive reactions.
Every time I approach a red light while driving, I habitually ease off the accelerator and apply the brakes for a safe stop, never taking risks to rush through. This stems from my early driving lessons when the instructor emphasized that traffic signals are the commanders of the road—violating them could result in anything from fines and penalty points to serious collisions. I pay extra attention to intersection dynamics, such as yielding to pedestrians when making left or right turns. Now, stopping at a red light has become a reflex action for me, accompanied by a quick check of the surrounding environment for safety. On long drives, these pauses actually serve as opportunities to rest and alleviate fatigue. Looking back, since adopting this habit, my insurance premiums have decreased, and my safety record has improved significantly. I recommend that new drivers practice simulated intersection stops frequently to integrate them into their daily driving routines.
