Fines for running AMBER lights.

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by prydey

the term 'if it is safe to do so' , i feel does not only refer to you. if i have someone up my clacker and a light goes amber that i could probably stop at with reasonably heavy braking, there's a good chance his bonnet would end up in my boot. yes, obviously he would've been driving illegally eg. tailgating and not allowing himself safe travelling distance but thats something i can't control, therefore the 'safe' thing for me to do would be to continue on through.

having someone's bonnet in my boot but also knowing that i was in the right by stopping does not get my car fixed.

No, but in some instances it may save a life. Like a car turning right from the opposite side of the intersection, a car that had been waiting in the intersection for half the light cycle.

Originally Posted by prydey

... it is critical to know whats behind you as well as in front of you, before hitting the brakes.

and as flappist has pointed out with a few of many examples, rear enders are never 100% clear cut.

Youre right. the truck behind, the car behind, vehicles in the intersection are all factors of 'if safe to do so'. If you drove in a manner that expected a green to turn amber, then the car behind should already be aware youre not going to plant your foot if it does, that is approach at say 50-55, not 60.

Rear enders may not be clear, but in general the rear vehicle is held to be at fault. Try proving, absent an independent witness, that the front vehicle rolled back on you if they simply deny it.

In the situation you described, the rear car WILL be at fault, no question.