Discussions

I think the problem is not lack of knowledge but some people are too nice and stop to let others proceed.

I was waiting for this thread after going through there earlier

This topic comes up all the time. I drive through a yellow but use caution when doing so.

Well I at least slow down to make sure those with th flashing red are not going to pull out in front of me. Better safe than sorry.

we went thru that intersection today, I think people were unsure if it was flashing yellow in all directions so chose to proceed cautiously. Last thing anyone wants in this deep freeze is to be in an accident and be out in the elements. Better to be safe than sorry.

Two things that confuse the heck out of Brandonites. Flashing traffic lights and turning circles! Oh and can't forget the ole zipper merge on 18th and Pacific that one is priceless to watch some days.  
 
I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of if not the worst drivers I have ever seen.

fuzzy slippers said "we went thru that intersection today, I think people were unsure if it was flashing yellow in all directions so chose to proceed cautiously. Last thing anyone wants in this deep freeze is to be in an accident and be out in the elements. Better to be safe than sorry. "

They will never be all flashing yellow. They will be either what the OP described or all flashing red, which is when it would be treated as a 4 way stop.  
 
I get not wanting to be in an accident, so yes proceed with caution but you still need to drive to the rules of the road. Not doing so can cause an accident as well

it can be confusing. The drivers on the yellow flashing lights have the right of way first then when do the drivers on the red flashing lights get to go when traffic is busy all the time.

When I went through there the traffic (southbound) was backed up all the way from 18th and Rosser. The people on Parker couldn't get across unless someone stopped for them.  
 
While it should not normally be treated as a 4 way stop when one way is flashing amber and the other way flashing red, sometimes other circumstances require a short term departure from the rules if traffic is to keep flowing smoothly.

You don't have the right to change the rules. The Police do.  
 
Sometimes I feel that the speed limits should be increased too. That doesn't make it right.

Defiantly caution should be used, even if you have the right of way. But the issue I seen the couple times I went though there today was people pulling up to the yellow light, then just sitting there even thought it was safe for them to go through the intersection. Im guessing they had no idea what to do. I find a lot of drivers around here have no idea what to do if there's something out of the ordinary on the road ahead of them.

Yup I go through there every morning, it was flashing at 7:30am. I was in the left lane, and I watched the car in the right stop as if it was a 4 way. They sat there for at least until I was past the Toyota dealership.  
 
I wonder what some of these people would do if they were driving down Portage Ave at night when most of the lights are flashing yellow.

You think people in Brandon can comprehend that what flashing amber means.  
 
Yesterday there was an idiot that was in the left lane that suppose to turn left ONLY and that idiot went straight. IT is clearly marked the left lane is for left turn and right lane is for straight. Multiple vehicles had to stop for him so he wouldn't crash into anyone.  
 
Then the idiot proceeds to drive 20km/h. People honking at him and they turn their heads like we're doing something wrong.  
 
and Yes if you reading this. you were driving a late 80's or early 90's Ford f-150 going south on 10th ST at Richmond. Oh and by the way. The stop sign mean to stop and not run through it.

RustyTrebourne said "Two things that confuse the heck out of Brandonites. Flashing traffic lights and turning circles! Oh and can't forget the ole zipper merge on 18th and Pacific that one is priceless to watch some days.     I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of if not the worst drivers I have ever seen. "

Rusty said:  
 
"I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of the worst drivers I have ever seen."  
 
Thousands of cities? You must be a very,very old person or independently wealthy. Thousands of cities is quite impressive.  
 
Edited by Kellye, 2016-12-14 18:46:18

Trevor said "Yup I go through there every morning, it was flashing at 7:30am. I was in the left lane, and I watched the car in the right stop as if it was a 4 way. They sat there for at least until I was past the Toyota dealership.     I wonder what some of these people would do if they were driving down Portage Ave at night when most of the lights are flashing yellow. "

They'd get a few horn blasts and see people rolling by besides them, so they'd learn what to do. Brandon is too polite for that so it takes people much longer to learn.

Kellye said "    RustyTrebourne said "Two things that confuse the heck out of Brandonites. Flashing traffic lights and turning circles! Oh and can't forget the ole zipper merge on 18th and Pacific that one is priceless to watch some days.     I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of if not the worst drivers I have ever seen. " Rusty said:     "I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of the worst drivers I have ever seen."     Thousands of cities? You must be a very,very old person or independently wealthy. Thousands of cities is quite impressive.     Edited by Kellye, 2016-12-14 18:46:18"

or he drives across America almost 365 day a year for a living ...dont take that long to rack up cities

I knew this topic was coming...  
 
While I completely agree that Brandon has a lot of stupid drivers (last night on 34th I had someone pull up beside me at a red light in a turning lane, blast ahead of me at the green and cut back in - complete moron in a big truck) I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt that most people at the flashing lights knew what the rule was. The problem with giving right-of-way in some instances is that, as has already been said, the flow of traffic can be impacted severely. Yes, north/south traffic should have continued normally, but there actually was a consistent amount of traffic coming from Parker and Hilton. Had 18th Street traffic just continued on, those cars NEVER would've moved. They would've been stuck there for literally hours. So yes, while it was 'legally' incorrect, I'm going to believe it was a gesture of fairness to ensure that everyone had a chance to keep moving without anyone getting stuck.

BTM707 you where right on the money with what you said. Traffic coming from the side streets would have had nearly an impossible time getting onto 18th St if those on 18th weren't courteous enough to stop even though they had a flashing yellow. I stopped and to be honest I think if those on 18th didn't stop there was probably a good chance there would have been an accident.

Flatlander said "BTM707 you where right on the money with what you said. Traffic coming from the side streets would have had nearly an impossible time getting onto 18th St if those on 18th weren't courteous enough to stop even though they had a flashing yellow. I stopped and to be honest I think if those on 18th didn't stop there was probably a good chance there would have been an accident. "

Flatlander and BTM707 understand the situation, as I saw it.  
 
The flashing lights are a failsafe when something causes the lights to malfunction, or in some cases during hours when traffic flows are at a minimum. When there is a malfunction during times of heavy traffic, the flashing red and amber lights don't always get the job done. Drivers are expected to use common sense while behind the wheel.

If anyone has a brain, when you know an intersection that crosses over a major thoroughfare has it's traffic lights out... The best judgement of your capabilities must be applied. Parker/Hilton at 18th during the morning rush is a beautiful example on using your head if you're trying to turn left without the light. If this was Winnipeg, you take three seconds, say f*(k it, flip your signal leaver upward and turn right. Done! You then drive a little bit down the street and make a plan to get "turned around" to get yourself back in the intended direction. Some of the brave & determined can and will wait for the opportunity to cut across (All the best to them, I'll say. Sometimes it works for them... sometimes they're still stuck there when you come back through that intersection), but lots know its way less stressful to simply turn right and double back when it's busy. I forget where I saw the article last month, but it was stating a Canadian statistic that more accidents are happening because we Canadians are being dangerously courteous and disregardful of the traffic rules friendly. What happened that morning shows exactly that... Being nice, but stupid.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Agreed!

snowman5 said "If anyone has a brain, when you know an intersection that crosses over a major thoroughfare has it's traffic lights out... The best judgement of your capabilities must be applied. Parker/Hilton at 18th during the morning rush is a beautiful example on using your head if you're trying to turn left without the light. If this was Winnipeg, you take three seconds, say f*(k it, flip your signal leaver upward and turn right. Done! You then drive a little bit down the street and make a plan to get "turned around" to get yourself back in the intended direction. Some of the brave & determined can and will wait for the opportunity to cut across (All the best to them, I'll say. Sometimes it works for them... sometimes they're still stuck there when you come back through that intersection), but lots know its way less stressful to simply turn right and double back when it's busy. I forget where I saw the article last month, but it was stating a Canadian statistic that more accidents are happening because we Canadians are being dangerously courteous and disregardful of the traffic rules friendly. What happened that morning shows exactly that... Being nice, but stupid.     Just my opinion, I could be wrong. "

Agreed!

snowman5 said "If anyone has a brain, when you know an intersection that crosses over a major thoroughfare has it's traffic lights out... The best judgement of your capabilities must be applied. Parker/Hilton at 18th during the morning rush is a beautiful example on using your head if you're trying to turn left without the light. If this was Winnipeg, you take three seconds, say f*(k it, flip your signal leaver upward and turn right. Done! You then drive a little bit down the street and make a plan to get "turned around" to get yourself back in the intended direction. Some of the brave & determined can and will wait for the opportunity to cut across (All the best to them, I'll say. Sometimes it works for them... sometimes they're still stuck there when you come back through that intersection), but lots know its way less stressful to simply turn right and double back when it's busy. I forget where I saw the article last month, but it was stating a Canadian statistic that more accidents are happening because we Canadians are being dangerously courteous and disregardful of the traffic rules friendly. What happened that morning shows exactly that... Being nice, but stupid.     Just my opinion, I could be wrong. "

However there is one issue with your statement -people in this town do not USE their brains when they get behind the wheel it seems.  
 
I have driven in dozens of cities across the US and Canada and never have I encountered such brain dead, ignorant driving as there is here. Everywhere else, even in Winnipeg (though there are some pretty moronic people there too) understands that if anyone wants to get anywhere they need to drive with courtesy. You are correct in citing that article, if you drive like a Brandonite in say - Vegas or Minneapolis you will be run off the road.  
 
One intersection in Winnipeg exactly like you mention is Kenaston and whatever street that is running between the Safeway and the Home Store development. Only two to three cars can get through as there is no turn signal, so it is far quicker to go straight through, u-turn and take aright on Kenaston instead of sitting through the lights. On a busy week my guess is thousands of cars do that.  
 
Here, it is though people get in their cars, look ahead, and believe they are the only vehicle on the roads. They do not use their mirrors, they do not shoulder check, they do not think ahead two or three cars as you are supposed to. There are so many self centred drivers here I am actually shocked there are not more accidents.  
 
Asking for people to use their heads when lights are flashing - good luck. Four way stops seem to be well over the heads of most people these days - seriously - this week I have been stuck twice nearly two blocks ahead of the four way stop at Park and 6th because people just cannot grasp the concept. And it is not like the intersection is icy right now either.

traveller said "    Kellye said "    RustyTrebourne said "Two things that confuse the heck out of Brandonites. Flashing traffic lights and turning circles! Oh and can't forget the ole zipper merge on 18th and Pacific that one is priceless to watch some days.     I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of if not the worst drivers I have ever seen. " Rusty said:     "I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of the worst drivers I have ever seen."     Thousands of cities? You must be a very,very old person or independently wealthy. Thousands of cities is quite impressive.     Edited by Kellye, 2016-12-14 18:46:18" or he drives across America almost 365 day a year for a living ...dont take that long to rack up cities "

You are correct. I probably hit a thousand by the time I was 30 if not younger!  
 
Independently wealthy? I do okay. And I am only in my 50's but I guess thats old Kellye!! Not all of us sit behind a computer all day

RustyTrebourne said "    traveller said "    Kellye said "    RustyTrebourne said "Two things that confuse the heck out of Brandonites. Flashing traffic lights and turning circles! Oh and can't forget the ole zipper merge on 18th and Pacific that one is priceless to watch some days.     I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of if not the worst drivers I have ever seen. " Rusty said:     "I've drove in thousands of cities in my life and I still think Brandon has some of the worst drivers I have ever seen."     Thousands of cities? You must be a very,very old person or independently wealthy. Thousands of cities is quite impressive.     Edited by Kellye, 2016-12-14 18:46:18" or he drives across America almost 365 day a year for a living ...dont take that long to rack up cities " You are correct. I probably hit a thousand by the time I was 30 if not younger!     Independently wealthy? I do okay. And I am only in my 50's but I guess thats old Kellye!! Not all of us sit behind a computer all day "

yup, i started in a big rig many moons ago and im sure ive driven through thousands of cities towns and villages ect by the time i was done my 20's, cant even remember how long ago it was when i hit the million mile mark, i drive in town now and teach driving courses but i didnt see thousands of cities an unrealistic at all...im not that old or that wealthy either, but i do pay my bills so lifes good  
 
as for the yellow, i agree, for driving to be safe we need to be predictable!! that means following all the rules, even if we think that poor sucker is going to sit there forever!  
 
if my light is flashing yellow i am to proceed, with caution of course, but still proceed, the other guy is sure to be red because that is how lights are programed  
 
imagine if we all sat at a green and said, no you go first, ahh no you, no you...or at a 4 way stop, politeness by not following the rules in driving situations reeks havoc, causes congestion, frustration,and accidents, if people with the right of way cleared the intersection quickly and efficiently the other guys may have a chance to cross too

fargobob said "    Flatlander said "BTM707 you where right on the money with what you said. Traffic coming from the side streets would have had nearly an impossible time getting onto 18th St if those on 18th weren't courteous enough to stop even though they had a flashing yellow. I stopped and to be honest I think if those on 18th didn't stop there was probably a good chance there would have been an accident. " Flatlander and BTM707 understand the situation, as I saw it.     The flashing lights are a failsafe when something causes the lights to malfunction, or in some cases during hours when traffic flows are at a minimum. When there is a malfunction during times of heavy traffic, the flashing red and amber lights don't always get the job done. Drivers are expected to use common sense while behind the wheel. "

Its not for you, me, or anyone else to decide when they feel that the rules aren't working in any particular situation! Obey the law, follow the rules, and others should know what to expect. Its not up to you to break the law to make things easier for somebody else!

Common sense behind the wheel would be to follow the rules as expected. Common sense would also be that if the turn onto 18th street or crossing the street is too backed up, find a different route.

going north, turning onto parker...i proceeded with caution, and was waiting for the car going south, who had stopped completely to go. I waited and as soon as he went, it was safe for me to turn, (no oncoming southbound traffic) yet i got honked at!  
 
I obeyed the rules of the road, the 2 southbound vehicles that came to a complete stop did not...why I was honked at is beyond me! but oh well, brandon drivers

If everyone was to follow the rules, there is a way around crossing onto 18th to get where your going from Parker Blvd. Going south, but your by husky? Easy, go behind husky (17th st N), all the way to the stop sign at Stickney/McDonald Ave, then go down passed the fire hall to either Hilton or Maple.  
 
Need to go the other way? Do that in reverse!! Take the back to extreme electronics, and you can make a Right turn onto 18th to go north.  
 
No need to even use the lights there if you don't want too.  
 
And then, people don't have to worry about crossing and others can obey the traffic laws

So basically, drivers were TOO courteous and some of you take issue with the fact that you had to wait a bit longer? If you hadn't noticed, it's winter - it takes a bit longer to get around than usual anyway, so you're already alloting extra driving time. Besides, there was nothing dangerous about what was going on at that intersection. Everyone was patient and took turns, and everyone made it through in decent time. Paying attention and being courteous, and some of you take issue with this? There's really nothing better for you to argue about?