Physics plays a role at traffic signals, too
While agreeing with letter writer Norma Link that “Red-light cameras OK” (Aug. 15), I must disagree with her statement that “Only the person who is in the intersection when the light turns yellow is supposed to go through. All others are supposed to stop.”
That is impossible to achieve. There is reaction time and braking distance to consider.
A car traveling at 30 mph travels 30 feet during the time its driver reacts to the yellow light. The car travels another 45 feet after the brakes are applied before it comes to a stop (state of Colorado rules for driving booklet). That’s a total of 75 feet.
A car within that space which has its brakes applied will continue through the intersection, or come to a stop in the middle of it! (Figures assume average reaction time and brakes in good condition.)
Think of it this way, Ms. Link: You’re going 30 mph and are 10 feet outside an intersection when the yellow light comes on. You can’t possibly stop your car before getting into the intersection. Same is true at 20, 30, or 50 feet, right on up to 74 feet.
Yellow is not red.
Thomas L. Carter, Louisville
These automated revenue-generators have nothing to do with safety. They are strictly there to pick the pockets of drivers. I have a right to face my accuser. Bring the damn camera in and put it on the stand. I get to cross-examine. Think that'll happen? Hell, no. You are accused by a machine.
Posted by clyde on August 27, 2007 01:34 AMWhy is it you people think you have rights. Whewn it comes to getting more money from you you have no say in this matter. If you do not vote for the mill levy they raise the value estimate on your home getting the money that way. Or they institute another speed trap. Comon get real people the government does not work for you , you are indebted to the government.
Posted by Joe Taxpayer on August 27, 2007 03:23 AMThomas L. Carter, Clyde & Joe Taxpayer must be among the 'me first generation' - you know - the folks who were STOPPED, behind the line (while 2 cars were in the intersection to make their left and decided that even though they were 4th & fifth it is their RIGHT to impede the cross traffic. Or perhaps they are going straight thru, see the light turn yellow from half a block away, and instead of braking, punch it. Or - best of all, when the roads are loaded for rush hour (or are snowpacked & icy) and traffic is crawling along at less than 10 MPH, and they clearly see that they will not clear the intersection, but enter it anyway, blocking the cross traffic for at least 1 cycle. I have NO problem with the cameras when they bite inconsiderate jackasses who believe their time is worth more than anyone elses - let them pay for the privilege of breaking the law.
Posted by Mary on August 27, 2007 04:01 AMNow if we could just synchronize the drivers, the way some of the lights are.
Here is another look at physics. Take your mass X your speed. See how quickly you add up to a nasty impact if you can`t stop for the light, but can stop for the side of a semi.
Posted by Sharon B. on August 27, 2007 09:50 AMSharon B
Your inane responses never cease to amaze me. What you said happens not matter what color the light is , or for that matter, whether there is a light at all or if you are on the road or in a parking lot. Your Point???
AF
Sorry, Mary, but I don't run lights. I just am familiar with the machinery of government.
By the way, do you always call people you have never met "inconsiderate jackasses"? I'll bet you're a lot of fun at parties.
Posted by clyde on August 27, 2007 11:32 AMI love listening to all you arm chair traffic engineers! You make me laugh!
Posted by on August 27, 2007 12:23 PMI think we should add two more lights before the yellow light. The blue light that comes after the green light would mean "speed up" because next will come the purple light. The purple light signifies that you should accelerate about twenty miles per hour above the speed limit, as the yellow light will be coming very soon. As the yellow light finally turns on, it is at this point that drivers should exercise caution, because within a few seconds the new multi-light phase will begin, where the yellow, blue, AND purple lights come on which signifies that really, truly, any minute now the light will turn red. THEN, and only then, after the red light comes on, should drivers stop, unless they were within about thirty feet proximity of the intersection. Maybe the red light should blink for a bit, just to make sure?
Posted by Dan on August 27, 2007 12:40 PMDon't try this at home kids, we're what you call experts...
Posted by on August 27, 2007 03:22 PMAF, What I mean, maroon is, slow the hell down or be prepared to end up in the hands of physics. No chance for reprieve there. And all the fancy speed figures and justifications will not do a bit of good if you are going too fast and get nailed. Do you need a picture? If this letter writer can`t stop at 30 then go 20. Go 15, shoot, stop if necessary and back up.
Don`t try to cheat and sneak through on the red just because you were in the intersection hoping, hoping to make it.
Glad to amaze you. I will try to keep it up.
Posted by Sharon B. on August 27, 2007 05:18 PMSpeaking of blatant revenue generators. I moved back east to Connecticut 3 years ago. Do they still have those white vans parked on the SIDEWALK taking picutures of and ticketing speeders in Denver?
Posted by Michael on August 28, 2007 04:55 PMSince we have an understanding that physics is involved why do we not slow down slightly when approaching an intersection?
Do cars not turn in front of us? Do pedestrians not enter the intersection? I have no issues with the automated cameras catching those that choose to run a red light. If you are not breaking the law why worry about those cameras?
Instead of thinking only about ourselves how about we show consideration and slow down as we approach intersections and actually obey the law and stop for red lights what a concept!