Yellow traffic lights can be confusing, but in South Carolina, the rules are clear: don’t speed to beat the light. Understanding when to stop and when to go can prevent costly fines, rising insurance rates, and even serious accidents.
Many drivers mistakenly think yellow means “step on it,” but following the traffic laws around yellow lights is crucial for your safety and those around you.
What South Carolina law says about yellow lights
South Carolina’s traffic signal regulations clearly state that if the light turns yellow and you are approaching the intersection, you must stop unless you are already too close to halt safely. The yellow light is a warning that the red light is imminent, not a green light to speed up.
However, if you have already entered the intersection when the light switches to yellow, you are legally allowed to keep moving forward. But if a police officer catches you speeding through a yellow to try and beat the red, you can be ticketed and face fines.
Sabreena Barboza, a lawyer based in Rock Hill, points out that violating this law can lead to receiving four points on your driver’s license, in addition to court fees and higher insurance premiums.
Why running yellow lights is risky
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 900 deaths and 143,000 injuries every year in the U.S. happen because of drivers running red lights. Yellow lights act as a critical buffer, signaling drivers to prepare for a stop.
The Joye Law Firm, with offices across South Carolina, emphasizes that traffic signals exist to protect people’s safety, not to be treated as mere suggestions. They note that reckless behavior like speeding through yellow lights or distractions like cellphone use and fatigue are often the root causes of accidents at intersections.
This firm advises, “Yellow signals aren’t an invitation to speed through an intersection as fast as possible. If you encounter a flashing yellow light, brake gently and proceed with caution. Always be ready to stop if necessary.”
Common causes of intersection accidents
Experts identify several contributing factors behind collisions at intersections, including:
– Being late and rushing through lights
– Speeding and unable to slow down in time
– Distracted driving, often from phones, music, or conversations
– Impairment due to drugs or alcohol
– Aggressive or reckless driving patterns fueled by frustration or road rage
– Fatigue or reduced alertness
Recognizing these causes helps reinforce why following traffic signals and driving cautiously when lights change are vital.
Expert advice for safer driving through intersections
For drivers navigating South Carolina roads, the message is clear: the yellow light means caution, not acceleration. Dr. Lisa Nguyen, a traffic safety expert, explains in a 2024 study that making the decision to slow down at yellow lights significantly reduces intersection collisions compared to speeding up.
This video breaks down essential tips on how to handle yellow lights safely—highlighting defensive driving techniques used by professionals:
By adhering to these principles, drivers not only avoid legal troubles but also lower the risk of endangering lives.
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What’s your take on how people handle yellow lights in your town? Share your stories or advice in the comments below, and help spread the word about safe driving practices that keep everyone on the road secure.
Source : https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article312345660.html
