Slowing for lights 5297Yes you would slow continuosly from about say 200 metres if the traffic was flowing smoothly with spaces. It is possible to slow gradually over a mbuttively long distance before you would stop, and...
Slowing for lights 5296Here you go dumbbutt. I drive a lorry. It takes a pooload of distance to stop from 50 MPH. I slow a little and approach the lights at a constant speed...
Happily, advanced driving techniques cover the situation. It's a hazard, so put into operation the principles of the system of car control,-nowadays IPSGA (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration). My training was the 'six features'- which I like better. Approaching the traffic light junction at a steady speed-you will reach a point where if the lights go to amber you will be able to stop gently and safely. Just beyond this point; where a change of lights would cause hurried, heavy braking-or ineffective wallowing acceleration, select a lower gear and continue at the same speed. If the lights then turn to amber you have the ability to increase power if required. After the junction return to a higher gear if appropraite. If you change down and then have to brake heavily due to the lights changing, you did it too soon. It takes practice. Try advanced driving with a trained exponent; probably not the IAM. The A556 in Cheshire, nsl dual carriageway has recently had traffic lights installed at a junction. Nowhere near enough amber warning of lights changing. Most drivers wouldn't favour changing down at 70mph anyway. You have to be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. On that road it means easing off as you approach the hazard. Advanced driving makes much more use of the gearbox than the average a to b merchant. Driving to the system of car control ensures you will never be involved in an accident for which you could be held directly responsible. The guys who were had to admit that they failed in at least one feature. DaveK.
