Arrays of festively coloured lights adorn houses and businesses. They signal that the holiday season is only a month away. The recent cold snap indicates the impending official arrival of winter. Shoppers are out in greater numbers and there is an increased volume of vehicles on the highways, side roads and in parking lots. Inherent to these busier days comes a friendly reminder to plan ahead, take your time when travelling, and ensure your vehicle is prepared for the wintery weather.
Many of us need to re-adjust to winter driving conditions and it behooves us all to be patient and courteous with each other on the roads. There is something however, a gift of sorts, that municipalities can offer to give us all a better appreciation of patience, good will and peace on Earth. What could this gift be?
In keeping with the theme of festive lights, our local leaders can give us the gift of more advancing (flashing) green lights. We have all been at ‘that’ intersection, hoping to make a left turn, only to become crestfallen at the absence of a flashing green light. Yes, for the sake of 20 seconds that an advancing green light accords a driver, whereby we could wait patiently for our opportunity to turn, we instead have to wade out into the intersection on the amber light. In doing so we run the risk of collision and hope desperately that everyone has good winter tires. We, sadly, end up eating into the time of opposing traffic. This gets on peoples’ nerves, making them irritable and impatient. More friendly flashing green lights would alleviate this dark situation by minimizing wait times and long lines of traffic.
I firmly believe that most people are good for the extra seconds added on to intersection wait times. Fifteen to 20 seconds is not too much to ask. In the time that it takes to enjoy a nice sip of coffee or adjust the settings of your vehicle’s heating system, some other drivers can turn left and get on with their day. It boggles my brain why, on so many large arteries, there are no advancing green lights. St. Albert is actually quite generous when it comes to advancing green lights. Edmonton, however, is greatly lacking. Ever try to turn south on 97 Street off 132 Avenue? Or 153 Avenue onto 50 Street? Or 127 Street onto Yellowhead Trail! Seriously, why so stingy with green lights in the metro region? Did the Grinch steal them? Where is the Green Arrow when we need him?
Perhaps, when the Rider Nation with its sea of green, comes to Edmonton this weekend for the 98th Grey Cup, we can all come to appreciate the beauty of green (though green and gold would have been preferred). It isn’t easy being green ... I get that, but really, how hard would it be to install a few more flashing green lights at key intersections? It would be a gift to all area residents. It would potentially save lives — maybe yours.
With the increased volumes of traffic on our roads, we need to take proactive measures to optimize the flow of traffic and minimize driver stress. Bill C-16, the distracted driver legislation, which should be in place by summer 2011, will aid in the promotion of situational awareness and alertness. It will bring us to the crossroads of safer highways and side roads. Let’s just hope there is a flashing green light so we can turn left safely!
Tim Cusack wishes his shining light, his mom, a very happy birthday!
