Driving & Driving Test Tips: traffic light malfunction, light my light, traffic unit


Question
QUESTION: I was stopped at a red light, watching the light. My light turned green and I proceeded to go. I was hit by a car crossing the intersection who also had a green light. When I looked up at my light right after I was hit, it was red again. My question is this. Is it possible for opposite lights to turn green at the same time? One turning green and then back to red quickly, while the opposite stays green. If so, how can I prove it? The officer told me it can't happen, but I saw my light turn green. I've been driving 35 years and this is my first accident.

ANSWER: You can sit and watch the lights to see if this occurs again or check with the local municipality traffic unit to see if they have had complaints at this light.  If not then NO the lights do not go to green in cross traffic directions.

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QUESTION: I forgot to mention that it was a 3 way light. So is it possible that west went from red to green, then south went from red to green and back to red quickly as east went to green?

Answer
A three way light at the intersection of two roads is highly unlikely.  But if it were the case then you will have to go out and check the phasing to answer this question.

Phasing of lights is done to keep the smooth flow of traffic and avoid collisions.  The scenario you suggest would be confusing to drivers and dangerous.