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
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