We’ve all seen it and I’ll bet that we all talk about them, drivers who race us to the next red light.
Here they come, weaving through traffic, going over the speed limit and passing by us just in time to stop for the same red light that we do. These drivers put us all at risk to gain nothing and demonstrate their inability to plan ahead.
Drivers who observe the state of the traffic signals as they approach have time to plan and take the appropriate action.
If you don’t brake hard, chances are the vehicle following you will be much less likely to hit you from behind. If road conditions are poor, anticipation will allow you to stop for the red light without unintentionally sliding into the intersection.
Slowing down gradually in anticipation of the red light will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and your wallet. Brake maintenance is expensive and the inefficient use of fuel costs you money and all of us in air quality.
Plan it all correctly and you might not have to stop at all!
Timing may mean that the traffic signal has turned green as you arrive and you can keep on rolling.
If other drivers are going to talk about your driving skills why not let it be admiration?
For more information on this topic, visit www.drivesmartbc.ca. Questions or comments are welcome by e-mail to comments@drivesmartbc.ca. Tim Schewe is a retired RCMP constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. His column appears Friday.
