Changing to third on approach to traffic lights

BarraOG · 26-04-2019 09:45PM #1

I've read that you should change to third on approach to traffic lights if they have been green since you've first seen them. Do you agree with this?

Today I got a yellow when approaching traffic lights going 50km/h while in fourth. I braked and changed to second before coming to a stop but it all felt rushed. It would have felt better if I had been in third. Not sure if I would have made it through the yellow before it went red.

How far from the lights would you change to third?

MascotDec85 · 27-04-2019 06:26AM

Changing to 3rd on the approach can be a good idea but it depends on a few things while you approach like:

1) how long the light has been green?
2) how long does the light normally stay green?
3) is there a steady stream of traffic flowing through the light in front of you or is it totally clear?
4) is there traffic waiting at the other lights at the junction.
5) has a filter light gone on? (Normally a very good indicator that the lights will change to red soon).

There are too many variants to say yes, you should go to 3rd when approaching traffic lights but it may be the best thing to do given your appraisal of the questions above?

Have you learned about the detector loops/sensors on the road at most junctions?

Dravokivich · 29-04-2019 08:09PM

I'd also wonder about the road. I wouldn't like to change to 3rd from 80kmh. I'd have to be off throttle for a while for my car to slow down enough for 3rd to be suitable.

Changing to third on approach to traffic lights

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