Drivers in the Magic Valley Need to Go Back to Driver’s Ed

Driving in Idaho has never been known to be great. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for a reason. There are often many wrecks on the interstate, far too many fatalities, and drivers are speeding or texting and driving. Sometimes, young drivers play a factor, but often it is more distracted drivers or entitled drivers that lead to accidents on the road. It isn't only the interstate, though, where these problems occur. Drivers in the Magic Valley should go back to driver's education and learn how to properly drive once more, and be reeducated on the rules of the road. 

Stoplights in the Magic Valley

How to drive at a stoplight should be common sense. You stop at a red light, you wait for it to turn green, and you go. When a light is yellow, you should attempt to stop before going through the intersection, unless you are too close and know going through is the safer and better option. When turning left, when the light turns green, you are safe to go. When it is red, you are not. If a light has a green circle, despite it being green, the driver is to yield and wait for oncoming traffic. This is also true for flashing yellow arrows in the left lane, which the Magic Valley has many lights that use this. Some drivers apparently think that flashing yellow means they can go freely, which is what recently occurred in Twin Falls and almost led to a wreck.

Flashing Yellow Lights in Idaho

When a light is flashing yellow in the left turn lane, a driver should wait until oncoming traffic is clear. Recently, as I was stopped at the intersection of Addison and Washington, my light turned green. A vehicle coming from the other direction decided they would still turn, despite their light being a flashing yellow arrow. Luckily, the car next to me and I both were alert and slammed our brakes, as did the oncoming vehicle. The driver proceeded to yell and get angry, even though they had disobeyed the rules of the light and put multiple vehicles at risk. Clearly, they thought the arrow meant they had the right away, which they did not. This is not the first instance of this happening at this intersection, and sadly, it won't be the last. Some drivers see the yellow arrow and go instantly, and others drive through it, treating it like a green, no matter when it is flashing. 

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To most drivers, it may seem obvious how these lights work, but for others, they need to be reeducated with more driver's education classes. Even when a light is green, it is always wise to look and be on high alert, as it isn't uncommon for drivers to speed through a red light to get to their destination quickly. Be safe and obey the rules of the road, especially the stoplights, and everyone should make it to their destinations safely in the Magic Valley.