We recently moved to a different state and since arriving we have noticed that the colors of the traffic lights have a different meaning in this new state. For example...
If you are sitting at a RED light waiting, and the light turns GREEN it does not mean "Go" as it used to in our previous state. Here is means "Wait a little to make sure the opposing traffic has finally stopped before proceeding cautiously into the intersection."
Additionally, if you approach an intersection with a GREEN light, it used to mean that "It was okay to drive through the intersection." Here is means "Proceed with caution."
In our previous state a YELLOW light meant that the light was getting ready to change to RED, so you should try to stop, but if you couldn't it was okay to "Proceed with caution." In this new state, a YELLOW light means the same that a GREEN light used to mean in our old state, namely "Go." In fact a YELLOW light in this new state means "Drive even faster through the intersection."
The biggest difference in this new state is the meaning of a RED light. In our previous state a RED light meant to "Stop." Here in the new state, a RED light has an entirely new meaning. Here is means to "accelerate through the intersection." The RED light only means "Stop" if there are cars blocking your path. In fact, unless there are cars blocking your path, it is okay to drive through an intersection in this new state no matter what color the light is, RED, GREEN or YELLOW.
It has taken some time to get used to this new color scheme, but I am finally learning. I basically have had to ignore the color of the traffic lights and pay attention to whether or not there are cars blocking my path. If a car runs into me, that is a different story, but that has yet to happen.
I almost learned this lesson the hard way...with my life. I was waiting at a crosswalk in the new state that you live in. Slowly the lights directing opposing traffic began to change...yellow...then red. As the light turn red I stepped off the curb to cross the street. I took one step...had I taken two in my usual quick walking ways I would not be here to write this. A flash of vehicle raced past me. I could feel the rush of wind as his side mirror brushed my shirt. I ran back to the relative safety of the sidewalk and stood their panting...confused...and looking at the red light...This and MANY other experiences in the state you live in now have taught me to look both ways for quite a distance and even if the light for opposing traffic has been red for awhile. In a car or while walking, never trust that people will obey a red light.
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