Police officers necessary at traffic lights
Aug 31, 2009
editor—I have noted on a few occasions that some road users are deeply critical of what is perceived as unnecessary interference by traffic Police and wardens at traffic lights. I too have on occasion complained privately when I see them interfering wit
editor—I have noted on a few occasions that some road users are deeply critical of what is perceived as unnecessary interference by traffic Police and wardens at traffic lights. I too have on occasion complained privately when I see them interfering with the ordinary flow of traffic even when there is no jam.
However, I wish to point out that at peak hours, the presence of traffic Police and wardens at traffic lights is invaluable. This is because the majority of motorists in Uganda have no basic understanding of how to behave at traffic lights. For instance, when a traffic light changes from green to orange, most of us are tempted to speed through before the light turns red.
This is foolish and dangerous. In a jam, a driver who races to beat a red light may end up clogging a junction because the light might turn red before they drive through.
This causes more traffic jam. A person who tries to beat a red light by speeding when the light is orange and when there is no jam may actually arrive at the light when it is red and end up causing a collision. As a frequent user of the Nakawa-MUBS junction, I have witnessed several near misses due to such reckless behaviour.
By the time a light turns red, it means that another light in the opposing direction has turned green and a collision can easily occur if you try to race to beat it. It is, therefore, safer to start slowing down when one notices that the light is orange instead of trying to speed through.
David Makumbi
Kampala
However, I wish to point out that at peak hours, the presence of traffic Police and wardens at traffic lights is invaluable. This is because the majority of motorists in Uganda have no basic understanding of how to behave at traffic lights. For instance, when a traffic light changes from green to orange, most of us are tempted to speed through before the light turns red.
This is foolish and dangerous. In a jam, a driver who races to beat a red light may end up clogging a junction because the light might turn red before they drive through.
This causes more traffic jam. A person who tries to beat a red light by speeding when the light is orange and when there is no jam may actually arrive at the light when it is red and end up causing a collision. As a frequent user of the Nakawa-MUBS junction, I have witnessed several near misses due to such reckless behaviour.
By the time a light turns red, it means that another light in the opposing direction has turned green and a collision can easily occur if you try to race to beat it. It is, therefore, safer to start slowing down when one notices that the light is orange instead of trying to speed through.
David Makumbi
Kampala