Two Random Traffic Light Observations

[AllBlackS42]

When stopped at traffic lights, I find the pillar across the top of the windshield consistently blocks my view of the signals, so I"m always having to scrunch down awkwardly to see if the light has changed

When I have the right of way at intersections (circular green), other driver's seem to have no problem turning left in front of me at intersections in situations where they clearly are cutting it too close. I'm wondering if the small size of the car throws off other the other driver's depth perception, or maybe they figure "He's in a small car, he'll slow down." I've never driven a motorcyle, but can't imagine what that must be like having people dive left right in front of you at intersections.

Don't get me wrong, I really love the car. I'm just wondering if other's have noticed similar.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by AllBlackS42

When stopped at traffic lights, I find the pillar across the top of the windshield consistently blocks my view of the signals, so I"m always having to scrunch down awkwardly to see if the light has changed

When I have the right of way at intersections (circular green), other driver's seem to have no problem turning left in front of me at intersections in situations where they clearly are cutting it too close. I'm wondering if the small size of the car throws off other the other driver's depth perception, or maybe they figure "He's in a small car, he'll slow down." I've never driven a motorcyle, but can't imagine what that must be like having people dive left right in front of you at intersections.

Don't get me wrong, I really love the car. I'm just wondering if other's have noticed similar.

I have the same problem and use the "pillar" as a sun visor

As far as people turning in front of you, I'm SURE it's they think it's OK since you're in a "little" car

I've been riding motorcycles for 40+ years and drive my cagers the same way I do my bikes; like everyone out there is crazy, blind and trying to kill me, because they are !

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by AllBlackS42

When stopped at traffic lights, I find the pillar across the top of the windshield consistently blocks my view of the signals, so I"m always having to scrunch down awkwardly to see if the light has changed

When I have the right of way at intersections (circular green), other driver's seem to have no problem turning left in front of me at intersections in situations where they clearly are cutting it too close. I'm wondering if the small size of the car throws off other the other driver's depth perception, or maybe they figure "He's in a small car, he'll slow down." .

Yeah, I have a little problem with seeing traffic lights. If you have the panoramic roof and stop at the right distance, you can usually see the traffic lights through the roof (or at least I can).

I haven't really experienced the second problem - don't really deal with traffic lights.

[chieftmc]

Maybe we need one of these: LightInSight - Windshield Mounted Traffic Light Lens

[smart fortimo]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Exactly, Chief....

[PerryA]

Same problem with traffic lights. . .also, a little difficulty under certain circumstances with the pillar on the driver side when I'm looking at the oncoming left turn lane on a divided residential street leading up to my street It's a center strip of grass the puts the oncoming lane in just the right spot and it's a four-way stop sign so the other guy sometimes starts rolling about when I do, and when s/he's turning left without a signal. . .

There were early discussions that said Smarts don't have blind spots because they're small. I disagree. Some of the wide structure for the Tridion frame is a little bit of a problem at times. I do have more difficulty backing up than I would have thought because I tend to use my mirrors and I don't have any back back there to judge my position. And even when I look out the back window, I am always at least a foot further away than I think. I guess I just have trouble getting used to how really short the car is.

And as for the small=slow. The motorcycle advice is the best (former motorcycle rider myself). Just remember paranoia is just good thinking when people are out to get you.

[PerryA]

Another traffic light observation . . . the mute button on the radio is extremely handy. People always want to ask questions when you're stopped for a light.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by PerryA

....Just remember paranoia is just good thinking when people are out to get you.

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean that someone ISN'T out to get you

[mvaldes]

FWIW, the LightinSight has worked well for me. Agreed that you've got to watch out for other drivers, they are out to get you (or they're on the phone, or yelling at the kids, or texting or whatever.)

[Kermit]

I solved it by never being first at the light. If its about to change on you, run it! Just kidding - I have this problem on my older car (80 years old) and use a traffic light viewer - a more nostalgic version of what chieftmc listed.