Why I Don't Always Stop at the Stop Lines written on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 by Huy Dang A while ago, someone asked me, "Huy, why don't you stop on the stop line when making left turns?" And, I had one simple explanation: look at what happens. But, since you have no idea why, I'll tell you in today's kick-ass guide to making left turns in Saskatoon. Making a left turn can always be a bitch, especially during rush hour. You have to wait for the oncoming traffic, and risk getting hit when making your left turn on an amber light. But during rush hour, you often see one of these: When you see one of those, it makes some people want to say, "Chika, chika, yeah!" Why? It's a form of relief, and people seem to believe that it moves traffic faster, which it does. But, what happens when it's not rush hour? Well, usually, you only see this: You'd really like to see that green left arrow again, don't you? I mean, that green light is boring, and you have to wait for the stupid oncoming traffic. Don't you wish you could just skip all that and just make that left turn without being in an accident, even though it's not rush hour? Well, it's possible, and I'm going to show you how! So... when you travel around Saskatoon, you might notice that Saskatoon has traffic signals that look like this: Well, there is a way to make the traffic signal display a flashing green arrow that points to the left. It's all based on this "square" on the road that's usually found in the left-turning bay of intersections with a cement median, or in the left lane of any intersection that has one of those signals. Here's what it looks like... I've marked with with an "X:" On most left-turn bays, you will see that "square," which detects the metal on cars. In the picture, it's pretty obvious where it was. And when a car stops on that area, the traffic signal displays a flashing green arrow, allowing those making left turns to make left turns without having to yield to oncoming traffic. Again, look at the picture, and you can see it within the my black lines/drawing. Now, you're not always going to see it when you're driving, but it's there. If you don't see it, all you have to do this: imagine that there are three "invisible cars" in front of you. Once you've done that, make yourself the "forth," or even "fifth" person in line. Please note that this concept only works about 75% of the time. So, you're better off looking for that metal detector! Please note that this doesn't work for all intersections as some intersections in Saskatoon that have those types of signals operate differently. Here are those exceptions: Southbound/northbound traffic at Confederation Drive and 22nd Street West. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Southbound/northbound traffic at Idylwyld Drive North/South and 22nd Street West/East. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Eastbound/westbound traffic at Idylwyld Drive North and 33rd Street West/East. The lights appear when there are cars, period. 20th Street West/East at Idylwyld Drive South. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Southbound/northbound traffic at Broadway Avenue and 8th Street East. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Southbound traffic on Clarence Avenue South at 8th Street East. The arrow appears regardless of how many vehicles are in line. Southbound/northbound traffic along Lorne Avenue at 8th Street East. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Southbound/northbound traffic along Central Avenue at Attridge Drive. The lights appear when there are cars, period. Southbound/northbound traffic along 3rd Avenue/Victoria Avenue at the intersection of 3rd Avenue South and 19th Street East. The left-turn signal always appears for both sides regardless of whether or not there are vehicles. This happens before the light becomes a solid green. Oh yeah, here's a major exception: If you don't believe me, I have videos! Now, here's what happens after stopping on a metal detector (you'll need the Flash Player, which can be downloaded here): Now, here's what happens when you stop at the stop line (you'll need the Flash Player, which can be downloaded here): Do you see the difference in the two videos? So there you go... I hope you see why I don't always stop at the stop lines when making left turns! And for those of you who just thought of me a moron, or those who have seen me do this and have given me dirty looks: try it for yourself, bitch!