Here it is, straight from the Department of Driver's Services manual (pdf):
"At a four-way intersection where all drivers are faced with stop signs, all drivers must yield to pedestrians, otherwise the vehicles should proceed through the intersection on a "first to arrive, first to proceed order." If two vehicles reach the intersection at approximately the same time, yield to any vehicles on your right."They should add, do not try to text message, Twitter, read a magazine, pick your nose, or daydream. Please pay attention.
If the power goes out and an intersection that normally has a directional light is flashing yellow,
"Yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection”. Notice it says nothing about stopping. That is reserved for the flashing red light. “A red flashing light means you must stop completely then proceed with caution”.
You're not the only person who believes you're supposed to stop at a flashing yellow. However, that's not true.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dds.ga.gov/docs/forms/FullDriversManual.pdf page 74:
A yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection.
(It makes no distinction about whether the intersection "normally" has a directional light, perhaps because drivers from other areas can't be expected to know what's "normal.")
I know it makes me kind of a butt, but I love sailing past the people who are sitting there stopped because they don't know the law. I make "ook ook ook" noises as I do it.
The information regarding the flashing yellow light is incorrect. This is a pet peeve of mine that most ATL drivers seem to have never read the GA Drivers Manual. They create a traffic delay and nightmare for those of us that wish to keep moving as the law intends.
ReplyDeleteFrom http://www.decaturmetro.com/2007/11/06/the-scourge-of-the-flashing-yellow-light/
Stopping at a flashing yellow light inadvertently makes it dangerous for those who are trying to obey the written law. Page 35 of Georgia’s Drivers manual states “a yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection”. Notice it says nothing about stopping. That is reserved for the flashing red light. “A red flashing light means you must stop completely then proceed with caution”.
The ironic thing about this post is that those reading this already know this and those who are supposed to be reading this are busy not following this rule.
ReplyDeleteThis happens far too much. It's kind of strange to me the number of people who DONT know the rules of a 4-way intersection.
ReplyDeleteShawn & Dad, you are right. I am embarrassed that I forgot that about the yellow light. I've been told that before, but you know how something just gets stuck in your brain?!? I will adjust the article.
ReplyDeleteGood work! Thanks for not agreeing TOO heartily with the idea that I am a butt :)
ReplyDeleteYou're not at all a butt. ;)
ReplyDelete