Energy-Saving/Smooth-Driving Traffic Law Revisions
Probably half of drivers already do most of these slightly illegal actions but this would encourage the other half to do so as well. (Well maybe not the Red Light Running.) These revisions would save gas, save engines, save transmissions, save brakes, increase safety, and eliminate the need for red light cameras.
1. Turning right at STOP signs and STOP LIGHTS may be treated as a YIELD sign.
2. For left turns or straight, passing a STOP sign at 5mph is OK given an appropriate safety margin considering the speed of opposing traffic. 2X safety margin below 30mph. 3X safety margin above 30mph.
3. YIELD signs shall replace STOP signs unless intersection has a proven dangerous history.
4. The center lane may be used when entering left onto a 3 lane road and then driving 5-10 mph until a safe merge can be accomplished. Left turning vehicles already in the center lane of the 3-lane have the right away.
5. For left turns or straight, RED LIGHTS may be run after a complete stop and an appropriate safety margin considering the speed of opposing traffic. 2X safety margin below 30mph. 3X safety margin above 30mph.
6. All vehicles shall coast (in gear; foot off gas) to STOP signs or YIELD signs or Yellow lights or Red lights. Vehicles accelerating or not coasting shall be ticketed for careless driving or of wasting natural resources. Coasting shall commence within 1 block/500 feet below 30mph or within 2 blocks/1000 feet above 30mph.
7. Certain traffic laws shall be posted in appropriate teaching spots like, "Left hand turns after stop are OK on RED". Traffic circles and unmarked intersections are encouraged along with occasional teaching signs like, "Vehicles on right have right of way."
8. As always, these traffic law revisions can be abrogated at proven dangerous intersections with appropriate signage.
Feel free to condense or expand these ideas.
