Someone said when a signal turns green, the driver should wait 3 seconds before crossing. Is this true?

Question

Someone said when a signal turns green, the driver should wait 3 seconds before crossing. Is this true?

Answer 1

When the law says to proceed when the light turns green. It is a balancing act between making sure the intersection is clear and not holding up traffic behind you. Aside from the red light runner, there is no way of knowing if the guy behind you is anticipating that you will move at the change to green. Best bet: proceed slowly and be wary.

All the best.

Answer 2

I do this because you will never know if someone will be running the red light, better safe than sorry....

Answer 3

well it lessens the chance of getting hit by someone running the red light

Answer 4

Some one who drives defensively will!

Those who drive offensively will not!

Answer 5

You should always be aware of your surroundings and watch just in case someone runs the red light.  Always look at each line of traffic to make sure no one is coming before you go.

Answer 6

Well it does help if someone ran the light.

Answer 7

You shouldn't wait this long. It causes traffic. Wait a second or two. Not longer. I hate it when cars in front of me stay still on a green light until I honk them. You may also get a ticket (with 4 points in NY) for failure to maintain your right of way  

Answer 8

For what reason besides irritating drivers behind you?  Green means go,  no waiting.  Now back to the first rule of driving;  check cross traffic at any intersection, look left and right.  I mean, where does the 3 seconds come from?  why not 5 or  1 3/4?  Who ever said that should not be allowed to drive, its basically stupid and can cause an accident.  If i'm behind someone that is stopped at a green light, I will assume their car is disabled and will go around them.  Make sense?

Answer 9

Not a bad idea<

Answer 10

I always wait to make sure someone didn't try to beat the red or yellow.