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A
"Right" Standard
In
the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, I have observed an
interesting phenomenon in Mobile, AL, where I live.
The phenomenon centers on the proper compliance
in following traffic signals. Due to Hurricane Ivan, power outages have occurred in many
places in Mobile causing traffic signals to stop
working. I believe it is understood by most motorists in our area that
a dark traffic signal should be considered to be an
all-way STOP controlled intersection and a driver MUST
stop before entering the intersection.
But
what if a traffic signal at a particular intersection
that normally
displays the familiar colors of red (meaning
“stop”), yellow (meaning “clear the
intersection”), and green (meaning “go”) is now
flashing red lights for the north-south flow of
traffic and flashing yellow lights for the east-west
traffic? What
are motorists to do?
What does the law state?
I believe most motorists in our area know that
a flashing red light indicates that one must stop at
the intersection before proceeding.
A flashing red light has the same use as a stop
sign.
But
what about those drivers facing a flashing yellow
light? What
are they to do? Should
they assume they have the right-of-way and proceed
through the intersection without stopping?
Or, should they stop at the flashing yellow
light, assuming that the intersection has become an
all-way stop controlled intersection?
I know that you understand that it is vitally
important for ALL motorists to understand the proper
procedure. Much
harm – even loss of life – could result without a
proper understanding of protocol.
According
to the Code of Alabama, Title 32, Section 32-51-34,
concerning “flashing yellow signals,” the law
states: “When a yellow lens is illuminated with
rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may
proceed through the intersection or past such signal
only with caution.”
Even
though this is what the law states, this writer has
witnessed numerous occasions where some motorists have
understood that even signals flashing yellow lights
are interpreted as all-way stop intersections, thereby
giving the false impression to motorists approaching
on the flashing red side that it is indeed a four way
stop and that they are clear to proceed in their turn.
Thus the recipe for disaster!
What’s
the point? There
is a definite need for a standard that can be understood
by everyone. This
need is evident not only in
understanding
"the rules of the road," but to ALL
of life.
Is
there such a standard?
The answer is, "YES!"
The standard that pertains to all of life is
not some state or national code book.
Rather, it is the Word of God!
God’s
“divine power has given to us all things that
pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge
of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2
Peter 1:3). "All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness, {17} that the man of
God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Through
the Scriptures, God reveals to us what is right.
God also teaches us in His Word that it isn't
enough just to be right in rules of conduct -- One
must also be right with God!
You
and I can be made "right" with God --ONLY--
through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Our SIN separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2).
But, Jesus died on the cross for our sins (1
Peter 2:24), that we might be reconciled –
“made right” – with God (2 Corinthians
5:21). We
access that right relationship by placing our trust
in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting
of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing
Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), being baptized
(immersed) in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of
sins (Acts 2:38), and living for Him for the rest of
our lives (1 John 1:7).
Are
YOU right with God?
God
bless you!
David A. Sargent,
Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695
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