when approaching a yellow light
i generally slow down and stop
but during those situations when it’s unsafe to stop
it’s safer to speed up and drive through
i recently noticed
that when accelerating under the light
i lean into it, with my head forward
i’m not exactly sure how or why i started doing this
it’s as if i was crossing a finish line in an very important race
and i just needed that extra few inches.
is it just me?
am i drafting the wind?
is it making my car accelerate faster?
is it my defense when i get pulled over?
“officer, my head was over the line when the light changed, you can check your dashcam to confirm.”
“people love to see you get ahead –
so long as you don’t get further ahead than they are.”
-carol plum-ucci
—
image credits: department of motor vehicles, sports illustrated – tokyo olympics
I didn't have my glasses on.... 
I cannot offer an explanation for this, but I can confirm you are not the only one! Enjoy your holiday, my friend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
good to know )
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have a lot of cameras near traffic lights here, so I rarely risk accelerating through the orange light. (Not saying I have never done that though… 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s always kind of a split second decision, based on how fast I’m going, and I don’t always choose right, but luckily my head is forward )
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an interesting observation. I don’t think I do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
must just be me )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps others do it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I might move my entire upper torso forward a bit, maybe so I can say, “I was halfway through the light before it turned red” and be literally correct? I seldom go through a yellow light unless I’m in a left-turn lane that doesn’t have a green arrow first when the light changes back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s a slippery slope for sure
LikeLike
And if a cop stops you and says you took the red light, make sure to always say that you leaned your head forwards and saw that it was yellow all the way through… (advice from an ex LEO)
LikeLiked by 1 person
yep, that’s my planned defense )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’ve done this, too. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t explain it either, but you are not the only one 🤩
LikeLike
I often find myself practicing my line, but I’m sure it was still yellow officer, as I whisk my way underneath, Beth, giving it all I have to beat the red!
LikeLiked by 1 person
right?
LikeLike
Kind of like winning by a nose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
exactly !
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s simple, Beth, we lean forward so our peripheral vision makes sure some other numbnuts is not moving before THEIR light is green. And I lift my bum when I cross a train track, too 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, dale, I love your scientific explanation and I think I tilt a bit when making big turns. my whole body is apparently a bit of my driving experience
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you like 😉 I may have leaned myself once or twice…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Sometimes defensive driving involves being aggressive. Very true. In some circumstances yellow means floor it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s a split second decision, and you have to choose which is the better way to go
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve done this when driving into a parking garage where a height limit is posted for the vehicles. I probably feel if I duck my head, my car will definitely have no problem rolling through. Funny how we do things on auto pilot. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so get this )
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
When I run a red light, I close my eyes, bracing for impact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
we all have our systems, though I fear yours might not last long -)
LikeLike
Well, a horse can win a race by a nose, so… why not beat the light by a nose.
It’s only logical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
apparently, my head agreed
LikeLiked by 1 person
Astute observation! Actually, when I think about it, I do the same thing. So maybe it’s normal eh? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
good to know)
LikeLike
I’ve done it too. The pic reminds of toy cars my son had when he was little. They came in a carry box… forgot the name. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
matchbox cars?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah!! Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we many traffic lights here . I go through these yellow lights too.Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
I ran a yellow light once and got pulled over and the cop said, “Yellow does not mean ‘gun it’.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
right-
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Guilty as charged. It’s funny how we humans share many of the same quirks. I once got a ticket for speeding up during a yellow light. I’m sure those few extra seconds gained were crucial. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, it’s such a crazy last minute choice
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought yellow meant, it’s up to you. No? I think it does make the car go faster when you lean forward. I do not have scientific proof but they lie a lot too, so I think it’s up to us to decide. Keep up the good work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
)))
LikeLike
I freak when I see a yellow light. I flunked my first driver’s license test in OK because I went through a yellow light. The examiner said I could be ticketed for running a yellow just like running a red. I explained that had I tried to stop I’d have ended up in the middle of the intersection. “Then you were going too fast,” he said. To this day I usually cover my brake when approaching a green light, just in case it changes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get that –
LikeLike
I’m sure if I lean forward or not, I’ll let you know after my next amber (as we call it here) experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep me posted
LikeLike
Totally get it, though I tend to slow down and then coast through the yellows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all have our style )
LikeLike
that’s adorable! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
))
LikeLiked by 1 person