What's Right?
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, I have observed an
interesting phenomenon in Mobile, AL, where I live. The
phenomenon centers on the proper compliance in following
traffic signals. Due to Hurricane Ivan, power outages have
occurred in many places in Mobile causing traffic signals to
stop working. I believe it is understood by most motorists
in our area that a dark traffic signal should be considered
to be an all-way STOP controlled intersection and a driver
MUST stop before entering the intersection.
But what if a traffic signal at a particular intersection
that normally displays the familiar colors of red (meaning
“stop”), yellow (meaning “clear the intersection”), and
green (meaning “go”) is now flashing red lights for the
north-south flow of traffic and flashing yellow lights for
the east-west traffic? What are motorists to do? What does
the law state? I believe most motorists in our area know
that a flashing red light indicates that one must stop at
the intersection before proceeding. A flashing red light has
the same use as a stop sign.
But what about those drivers facing a flashing yellow light?
What are they to do? Should they assume they have the
right-of-way and proceed through the intersection without
stopping? Or, should they stop at the flashing yellow light,
assuming that the intersection has become an all-way stop
controlled intersection? I know that you understand that it
is vitally important for ALL motorists to understand the
proper procedure. Much harm – even loss of life – could
result without a proper understanding of protocol.
According to the Code of Alabama, Title 32, Section
32-51-34, concerning “flashing yellow signals,” the law
states: “When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid
intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed
through the intersection or past such signal only with
caution.”
Even though this is what the law states, this writer has
witnessed numerous occasions where some motorists have
understood that even signals flashing yellow lights are
interpreted as all-way stop intersections, thereby giving
the false impression to motorists approaching on the
flashing red side that it is indeed a four way stop and that
they are clear to proceed in their turn. Thus the recipe for
disaster!
What’s the point? There is a definite need for a standard
that can be understood by everyone. This need is evident not
only in understanding "the rules of the road," but to ALL of
life.
Is there such a standard? The answer is, "YES!" The standard
that pertains to all of life is not some state or national
code book. Rather, it is the Word of God! God’s “divine
power has given to us all things that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by
glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). "All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
{17} that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Through the Scriptures, God reveals to us what is right. God
also teaches us in His Word that it isn't enough just to be
right in rules of conduct -- One must also be right with
God!
You and I can be made "right" with God --ONLY-- through
Jesus Christ, His Son. Our SIN separates us from God (Isaiah
59:1-2). But, Jesus died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter
2:24), that we might be reconciled – “made right” – with God
(2 Corinthians 5:21). We access that right relationship by
placing our trust in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of our
sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Jesus before men
(Romans 10:9-10), being baptized (immersed) in the name of
Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and living
for Him for the rest of our lives (1 John 1:7).
Are YOU right with God?
God bless you!
David A. Sargent
sargentd@juno.com