I remember when turning right on a red light used to be against the law. The law was modified to 'Right on Red after coming to a complete stop' to help traffic flow more smoothly and eliminate waiting at a light when there was no traffic coming that would keep you from making a safe right turn.
The number of people who either disregard this entirely or choose to see it as a guideline, rather than a law, astound me.
As someone who runs and walks frequently, I see evidence daily of how this law has become dangerous. At virtually every cross walk, I spend more time making sure I am not going to be hit that watching the safe crossing count-down.
I am not saying the law should be changed back, but I would like to see some public service announcements and possibly some tickets issued to remind the public of how important this law is.
Yesterday as I left the Harris Teeter in Reston, I came to a stop, looked to my left to see if traffic was coming and was startled by the blaring horn. I proceed to make my right turn, got in to the left lane to make a turn at the next light and looked over my shoulder to see who was beeping (and what they were beeping at). Imagine my surprise when someone flew up beside me and gave me 'the gesture' with their middle finger.
Sorry I choose to obey the law...so feel free to beep and gesture. I will be that car that comes to a complete stop, pays attention to pedestrians and traffic and then continues on my way.
And to the 'lady' in the VW Jetta, "Have a Nice Day!"
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Yesterday I was at a light where the sign says "No Right Turn on Red". The person behind me proceed to lean on their horn. I rolled down my window and pointed up to the sign. They pulled out around me, went in front of me and turned right. I got the same gesture. Where is a policeman when you need them?
Cindy, I have had that experience, too. People are so impatient (and self-centered)! Stay safe and keep doing the right thing.
I'm with both of you - it's like folks just can;t get where they are going fast enough. This is one instance where obeying the law really is for the safety of everyone.
I've often said that those street signs are not a suggestion too!
And now that school is back in session in most parts of the country, it's more important than ever to obey the rules of the road.
I am all for obeying the traffic law. Heck I use the speed limit as a goal not as a starting point.