Originally Posted by
Clyde1820
Defensive driving has its place. In similar situations where either a) someone's coming rapidly to an intersection and looks like he/she won't be stopping, or b) a cyclist is coming where in my experience in that area many barely stop or don't stop. I can only assume the LEO was thinking along these lines.
Of course, LE frequently is listening to dispatches and finds opportune times to sit and eval for a few moments. Might occur if already stopped at a traffic sign.
And too, in some parts of the country, particularly in some communities, it's commonplace for the other to be given the right of way, even if technically the "book" says the one has it.
Myself, I just go with it. I tend to drive or ride exceptionally defensively, assuming the other at a cross-street is likely to do the worst possible thing just as I'm at the most-vulnerable spot. So, for me at least, it's no skin off my nose to get positive confirmation from the other if there's any question. I tend to be in no rush. Though, if clearly there well in advance, and there's no question of the other person taking liberties, I'll continue on and take that right of way the way the other assumes I will.
can’t stand people waving me through when they have RoW. Happens at intersection, rotaries. Yes, I have a nice face, but inside I’m a bastard - treat me like one and we’ll all be happier and safer.
Also people stopping at intersections to check their phones/whatever. Other road users don’t know whether you’re simply taking a long stop, or stroking out. So the person behind you has to sit there, not knowing what you’re doing or intend to do. People crossing in front of you don’t know if you’re waiting for them, or if you’re going to suddenly awake from your fugue state and accelerate into the intersection.
the sign says “Stop”, not “Camp Out” - if you need to check your phone, pull over somewhere where your intent won’t be misinterpreted