Timing Traffic Lights

I am not sure why I have such bad traffic light karma, but I have the worse timing in the world.

It seems that whenever I am in an absolute hurry, I hit all the red lights, and when I need a red light, I sail through from green to green.  What is that all about?

Its easy to understand why someone might be in a hurry.  We have all had work or appointment deadlines that we needed to meet.  There have been too many occasions where I just needed to get someplace with a restroom, and god forbid, if I am not home in time for one of my favorite shows (God bless my DVR).

But why would a person want a traffic light to turn red?  I have often just needed a minute or two to adjust my radio station, input new data on the GPS, or even dial a phone number or text a message. But when I really need that minute, can I catch a break?  No.  Green, Green, Green!  If I try to drive slowly so I can focus, I get irritated drivers behind me with the all too familiar blare of the horn.  So what is a person supposed to do?

I was wondering how those things work anyway.  Are they timed?  If so, who establishes the timing?  I never see any maintenance being performed. I believe the average traffic light costs around $40,000 installed, which seems like a lot for a yellow box with three light bulbs in it.  For that amount of money they probably intercept and decipher brain waves of the drivers, and then regulate the light based on the opposite of what drivers need, as a way to reduce traffic problems.

Hmmm.  Maybe I am on to something.  Think about it.  For example, if a driver is speeding, they are more likely to cause an accident.  Therefore, when a speeder is racing down the road, wishing and hoping the light stays green for them, that is when the light will change to red, giving the driver a break and helping them to refocus on safe driving.

It could work the same way in reverse for green.

If a driver is fiddling with their radio, GPS, or phone, they are obviously not paying attention to the road, and should really pull over until they are finished.  If the traffic light stays green, it forces drivers to pay attention to their driving.

O.K. - O.K.  So my argument might be a little weak.  I can tell you this.  I have started to "think the opposite" of what I need when I approach a traffic light and it has been working for me.  I might even throw in a little light physical manipulation like pretending to read a map or review an e-mail on my cell phone, if I need a green light, that is.

I know it is all perception, but I can tell you that it has been working and it makes me a happier driver.