When Red Lights Meet Reason: My Approach to Traffic Standstills

By Matthew Hayward

In our daily commutes, we often encounter endless red lights, bringing us to a crossroads of practicality and strict adherence to traffic laws. It's a familiar scenario: a red light that tests our patience more than it ensures our safety. This pondering was further sparked by an article in the News Tribune about the complexities of traffic light laws, leading me to contemplate the balance between logical decision-making and lawful obedience.

Picture this: you're at a three-way intersection that's missing a crucial element—a turn lane. Here, the traffic lights orchestrate a perplexing situation that defies common sense. You're driving south, intent on continuing straight, but as the northbound traffic receives a green light, you find yourself halted by a red signal that serves no apparent purpose. Despite the clear path ahead, the traffic system doesn't recognize your intention to go straight. It lumps you in with those who might turn, unnecessarily preventing law-abiding subjects from continuing their travels.

At such moments, I diverge from the expected. I treat these red lights as if they're blinking red or broken, assessing the situation for safety, nearby police officers, and potential interaction with law enforcement. Some might view this approach as reckless; I consider it rational. It's not flouting the law but applying common sense where the law needs to catch up to logic.

The article by Rosemary Montalvo in the News Tribune delves into what Washington state law says about malfunctioning red lights. Trooper John Dattilo of the Washington State Patrol acknowledges the absence of specific legislation for this scenario. The minimum fine for running a red light in Washington is $136, but it is at the officer's discretion. This legal gray area underlines drivers' need to exercise common sense and discretion.

This philosophy isn’t limited to a single intersection. It's a broader approach to how I confront red lights. If it's safe to proceed, I do. This practical, situation-based decision-making process respects safety while challenging nonsensical norms.

Similarly, my other blog post, "The Psychology of Obedience: Why Some Follow, While Others Forge New Paths," delves into the psychological underpinnings of our reactions to rules and norms. It explores the contrast between those who adhere to rules without question and those who challenge the status quo, illuminating our choices at these metaphorical and literal crossroads.

I propose not anarchy but a call to apply reason to everyday situations. It's an invitation to question and to not blindly follow rules lacking in practicality. In a world where systems often overlook individual scenarios, applying our judgment can be empowering.

This is not about breaking the law; it's about interpreting situations through a lens of logic and safety. It's about being an active, thinking individual making sensible choices rather than a passive participant in a system.