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While car companies spend billions, and various governments make all sorts of green commitments, there is something so simple and easy to improve the situation that it has just plain slipped under the radar. It's a left turn.
In Australia, there are far too many times when you are forced to sit at a red light and wait to make a left turn, burning fuel and pumping out toxic emissions as well as adding to your total trip time. It's not just you, either, but also the people who are often queued behind waiting to make a similar turn on continue straight ahead.
Yet there is often no reason not to make the turn - in safety - and continue on your way. In the USA, right-hand turns are permitted at the vast majority of red traffic lights and it helps speed the traffic flow through major cities and country towns.
It's the same in a lot of other countries. Now, with economy and emissions at the top of so many motoring hit lists, is it time to consider a change to the road rules in Australia?
I can already hear the bureaucrats fussing about the paperwork, the police wondering about enforcement, and the road safety authorities hissing about the potential for extra collisions. Yet safe left-hand turns happen every day at Stop signs. They are a part of life.
The same drivers who can do the job at a Stop sign should surely be able to make safe turns after also stopping at a red traffic light. This is already recognised at a number of intersections, where left turns are permitted after stopping at lights.
But there are not enough, and the main reason for creating these exceptions is to speed the traffic flow through clogged arteries in major capital citires. Now, with the potential to cut emissions and boost fuel economy, Carsguide is asking what you think.
Should we agitate to get things moving? Is it worth the effort? Can you see the potential benefits? If you're in favour, drop a note to www.carsguide.com.au and we'll see what we can do.
