r/Roadcam • u/Playful_State5887 • 6d ago
[USA][GA][Stockbridge] Hazards On, Brain Off
So I was driving on Hwy 138, just cruising, when this car suddenly decides to stop dead in the middle of the intersection. She flips on her hazards like that somehow grants immunity from bad driving. I had no clue what she was doing, so I honked.
A few seconds later, an ambulance shows up, lights flashing, sirens wailing, making a left onto our street. Now, according to Georgia Code § 40-6-74, every driver is supposed to yield, pull to the right, clear the intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. That’s the law—it keeps everything safe and fluid.
I understand why she put on her hazards. The idea was to warn others—including me—so the ambulance could move through easier and prevent accidents. That’s noble in theory. But here’s the problem: not clearing the intersection causes more harm than good. Sitting there frozen in the middle just makes the road tighter and forces the ambulance to navigate around her instead of giving them the space they need.
So instead of helping, she basically turned herself into a traffic cone with flashing lights—well-intentioned maybe, but still completely in the way.
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u/ShowScene5 5d ago
I'm with you, dumb move on that driver. They understand the requirement to stop for emergency vehicles but didn't understand the reason: to get out of their way. Should have stopped before the intersection or just have gone through
That said, this wouldn't even rank as a clippable event for me. This is just every day garden variety bad driving. If this ranks for you, I want to live where you live.
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u/Scratchfish 5d ago
I'm a firefighter, you'd be mind blown at the things people do when they see the flashing lights.
My favorite is when a line of cars pulls over to both sides of the road to let us pass, and someone pulls out around the cars and passes all of them. Or they see us approaching and they speed up to outrun us so they don't have to pull over
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u/Error_404_403 5d ago
There was no safe way for them to "get out of the way." Staying where they were was the best they could do.
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u/ShowScene5 5d ago
Thanks for demonstrating the common nature of the logical error displayed in this video.
The three cars that blew through the intersection (who also should have stopped behind the line) demonstrate that this car could have safely cleared the intersection.
This car stopped right in the path that the emergency vehicle needed to go. This is like stopping in the the middle of the lane you're in when being approached by an emergency vehicle from behind. You need to move over. If you can't move over, but the path in front of you is clear then you need to proceed to get out of the way. Don't stop in their way and become and obstruction.
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u/Error_404_403 5d ago
The cars that blew through demonstrated only disrespect to the emergency vehicles and the road rules of their drivers, nothing more. There is a reason the rules say "get to the curb or stop", not "get to the curb or move wherever you think is better", because your move would only confuse the emergency vehicle driver. If you stop with blinkers on, you are a simple obstacle to go around; otherwise you are a dangerous unknown. Sad you don't know that.
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u/ShowScene5 5d ago
I don't disagree that the other cars shouldn't have entered. This guy stopped in the way. The only thing worse than not stopping is stopping in the way.
Do not enter or if you have, clear an intersection for emergency vehicles.
Directly from the State of Georgia Drivers handbook:
If emergency vehicles are using their emergency lights (blue or red) and sirens, safely maneuver your vehicle out of their way. You should slow your vehicle and move over to the shoulder of the road, or if that is not possible, as far to the right of the roadway or lane as you can, and stop. You should always use caution to ensure that you do not endanger other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians while doing so. Do not position your vehicle so that it blocks an intersection or otherwise prevents the emergency vehicle from making a necessary turn;
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u/JaTori_1_and_only 5d ago
Seems like they stalled out or something and had no idea how to get it driving again
I did this once in middle of intersection as a teenager, I panicked for a good 2 minutes before I got it going again
The hazards are clearly an indicator of driver having issues
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u/BaleKlocoon 3d ago
You clearly don’t watch the entire video lol.
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u/JaTori_1_and_only 3d ago
They stalled out right before the ambulance passed? Or did I miss something
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u/BaleKlocoon 1d ago
Looks like they stopped and put their hazards on due to hearing the ambulance. They continued driving as soon as the ambulance passed. They were trying to do the right thing but should have just cleared the intersection before the ambulance got there.
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u/JaTori_1_and_only 1d ago
I was saying they likely stopped because they stalled, they would've moved if could
Did you see car lurch when already stopped, my reasoning
(It looks like regained ability to move while the ambulance was passing)
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u/shysmiles 1d ago
Hazards on means something is wrong. Why is it hard for people to think these poorly maintained cars never have problems lol. I was watching wondering why this guy waited so long to stop - why he didn't see it coming and merge over earlier etc.. See this stuff coming - go around it, and move on with your day :)
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u/ShowScene5 5d ago
For anyone wondering, the idea (and in fact the law) in most places is to GET OUT OF THE WAY of Emergency vehicles. Don't come to a dead stop in the path of one.
Taken directly from the GA drovers handbook:
"If emergency vehicles are using their emergency lights (blue or red) and sirens, safely maneuver your vehicle out of their way. You should slow your vehicle and move over to the shoulder of the road, or if that is not possible, as far to the right of the roadway or lane as you can, and stop. You should always use caution to ensure that you do not endanger other motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians while doing so. Do not position your vehicle so that it blocks an intersection or otherwise prevents the emergency vehicle from making a necessary turn"
So many of you are so confidently wrong on this.
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u/Neuvirths_Glove 3d ago
The person who put on their flashers was, in fact, safely out of the way, based on the fact that the emergency vehicle went right by.
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u/ShowScene5 3d ago
Stopping inside the intersection was still a bone headed move, regardless of the actual outcome and specifically prohibited by the State.
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u/Neuvirths_Glove 3d ago
Not the right thing, but nobody died. And no, u/Playful_State5887, not "completely in the way".
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u/Economy_Release_988 6d ago
Title should have been,
"Sees hazard lights ahead pulls up directly behind stopped vehicle and sits there for no reason"
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u/Playful_State5887 6d ago
What do you think I was supposed to do??
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u/Headpuncher 5d ago
Be more patient, you have no idea what was happening in that car, hazard lights could have meant engine trouble, medical emergency, anything really.
You acted like a complete areshole. And then complained about someone mildly inconveniencing your day for a few seconds, and posted in on the net.
You're the terrible driver here. Learn some humility, and learn to drive.
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u/Individdy G1W 5d ago
But you see, OP (and several here) are mind-readers and know why the other car stopped the moment its hazards went on.
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
The person stopping in the middle of an intersection for the emergency vehicle is absolutely the terrible driver here. Of all the wrong choices to make in that situation the person chose one of the worst ones, probably only superceded by intentionally crashing into the ambulance.
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u/TheGuyThatThisIs 5d ago
If you could have stopped earlier that would be ideal so he can back up a little bit, but whatever. It was a weird situation that wasn't your fault or responsibility to fix. Who knows if the other car even would have backed up. He should have just gone through without stopping.
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u/Economy_Release_988 6d ago
Go around and not block even more of the road.
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u/FROOMLOOMS 6d ago
The stopped car gave like what, 1 second? 1 and a half?
So you're just supposed to dangerously swerve around them?
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u/Economy_Release_988 5d ago
watch again use the timer at the bottom and your eyes flashers on at 6 seconds OP pulls up and stops at 10 a bit more than 1 or 1.5
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u/Crabbiest_Coyote 5d ago
They turn their 4ways on at 10 seconds.
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u/Economy_Release_988 5d ago
You're correct so ignore brake lights right?
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u/Playful_State5887 6d ago
So, let get this stright, you me to go the left, which is the left turing lane only, and go around the car or you want to go around to the right, where other car is passing by. So are you saying that I should commit other traffic laws and risk other people saftey. so I can pass someone who stopped in the middle of a intersection? Please tell me becuase its funny how people who weren’t even there think they know better.
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u/Ban_Assault_Ducks 5d ago
All that person does is shit talk other people on everything, especially driving. They're always right, never, ever wrong, and they're better than you. Didn't you know? It's useless trying to talk to people like that. Just nod your head and let them think they're right and they'll eventually wander off and annoy someone else.
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u/Economy_Release_988 5d ago
You're an idiot, was that you in the car in front of OP?
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u/Ban_Assault_Ducks 5d ago
Really? That's all you've got? You've already lost. You are objectively wrong and everyone is laughing at you. But sure, go ahead and keep trying to save face.
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u/Economy_Release_988 5d ago
Tip one look ahead when you drive.
Tip 2 look further ahead & your still a fool.
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u/Ban_Assault_Ducks 5d ago
**you're
Don't go around calling others idiots if you can't even grasp the most basic use of words in the English language. Also, OP did the right thing. You just want to sound smart, but you don't. At all. Anyway, I'm out. Enjoy being hilariously wrong.
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u/Border-landsPD58 4d ago
You're making the generalization that because you read write and speak English, that everything you read on reddit started out as English when it did not. Proper grammar and spelling in English is not indicative of lack of intelligence. "You want to sound smart," but you're not. You're just being an asshole. The rest of us understood without having to stoop to your level. I personally don't give too shits if spellcheck corrects me or knot.
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u/idiotsinthecomments 5d ago
Yep, I already have them tagged as an idiot. It really is every single thread.
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u/Economy_Release_988 5d ago
Don't recall saying left but sure you be you and be surprised by stupid drivers and then stop in the middle of the road.
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u/Ban_Assault_Ducks 5d ago
OP, what are you driving? It sounds really good.
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u/donosairs 5d ago
Thats the distinct purr of a Nissan VQ if I ever heard one. I agree it sounds great.
It'a a V6 most known in the 350z/370z and infiniti g35/g37 models. Probably more, I don't know what else but they used it a lot.
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u/Ban_Assault_Ducks 5d ago
Interesting. I'm rocking a VK and it sounds great, but it's obviously quite a different engine. All I know is OP's car sounds great.
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u/coopersthepoopers 6d ago
Is it not possible they saw the ambulance lights and stopped in order to allow the ambulance safe pass through the intersection? They drove off immediately after the ambulance went through. Maybe just a Good Samaritan.
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u/front_torch 5d ago
They were playing traffic cop to pat themselves on the back which caused more traffic. That's self-indulgence.
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u/Levonix 5d ago
They even slowed the ambulance down too like how ignorant can you be.
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u/Neuvirths_Glove 3d ago
Ambulances often slow down at intersections to make sure vehicles see the lights/hear the sirens before they cross against a red light.
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u/Playful_State5887 6d ago
As a I stated, I do understand that, but you put more harm than good if you do that. Plus, with the Amblulance, they have no idea whats going on with the car in front on me. So the best idea is to clear the intersection, and let the emcergency clear the interection on their own. If you want to be a good samaritian, they should had waited before the crosswalk, not after.
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u/Neuvirths_Glove 3d ago
I dunno, I don't see how the car impeded the ambulance or anything; it pulled right through. I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill.
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
A good Samaritan wouldn't park where they become an obstacle to an emergency vehicle that is mid response.
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u/Aggravating-Habit313 4d ago
The ambulance lost many seconds going around that weirdo. What if your loved one was in critical need of an ambulance?
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u/coopersthepoopers 3d ago
I have stopped arguing my point and agreed for the other side lol. Stop arguing with me I agree!
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u/DODGE_WRENCH 2d ago
As a paramedic this shit infuriates me. People stopping right where they are in the left lane, blocking both lanes is the worst and is worse than not stopping at all.
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u/Playful_State5887 6d ago
Note: Sorry the clip runs about 20 seconds longer than it needed to—I honestly don’t know how that happened.
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u/Error_404_403 5d ago
There was no place for the car to pull to the right--it was caught in the middle of the intersection, and pulling to the right would have created more hazard than just staying in place. What this car did. And the OP behaved like an ass thinking he owns the road, inconsiderate to circumstances of others.
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
The place for them to end up was through the intersection before the ambulance.
Instead they illegally stopped mid intersection, 20 seconds before the emergency vehicle enters the frame, in direct contradiction to the code they were unsafely attempting to follow. You don't stop in the intersection, you clear out of it like code dictates.
Your take on this is uninformed and wrong. Stop finding justifications for uneducated unsafe driving
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u/Playful_State5887 5d ago
They should have move up, why is it that the right lane had cars continue? They had pletty of time to move up and continue traffic. Especially when you stop in the middle of the intersection.
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u/Error_404_403 5d ago
They technically should *not* move anywhere but to the right curb, if safe. The cars in the right lane just broke the rules and made it unsafe for the car in front to move anywhere. He did the right thing. You were an ass there. Doesn't matter where it was -- he determined to stay put on blinkers was the safest, so he did. And I agree with him. And you should've too.
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u/Playful_State5887 5d ago
The video capture the flashing easily. The Ambulance did not come around the intersection 10-15 seconds later. So having just sitting in the middle of the goddamm intersecition is plain stupid.
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u/OhNoAnAmerican 4d ago
You are correct. This is another example of completely oblivious drivers who think just stopping wherever you are is always “safe”
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
The code says to clear through intersections when emergency vehicles are around. Not stop in the middle of them in the least predictable driving move possible
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u/CrippledPeasant1 5d ago
its simple. OP doesn't respect emergency vehicles. OP respects green lights telling him to go, but he has no respect to stop for an obvious car in front of him (irregardless how stupid that driver is)
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
You don't even know the code. The offending driver stopped in the intersection. End of story
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u/Individdy G1W 5d ago edited 5d ago
Is it possible that they had car trouble at just the wrong time? I don't think we can know for sure. I don't see how OP could have known in the moment. Maybe the car died and they were trying to start it. I've seen this happen a few times when a light turns green.
Still upvoted because it's a good video to learn to chill the f*** out when a car in front has trouble. It's literally what the hazard lights are for.
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
You didn't even watch the video... They stopped in the middle of an intersection for the ambulance that has to avoid them while it crosses the intersection they horrendously stopped in. Maybe if you're gonna weigh in actually watch it through next time
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u/Individdy G1W 5d ago
When I watched the video multiple times yesterday, I saw the car in front braking then coming to a stop and putting their hazards on in the intersection. After the emergency vehicle passes, their brake lights go off and thee accelerate forward, through the intersection. I could see two occupants in the car. These are the things I observed (from memory). Did you observe something different in the video?
What did you see that supports your conclusion that they were stopping for the emergency vehicle, and not stopping due to car trouble? Remember, we can't read their mind so don't actually know why they stopped unless we ask them.
(Try to avoid the erroneous conclusion that I didn't watch it merely because I didn't come to the same conclusion as you.)
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
They stopped in the middle of the intersection, not because of car troubles, but for the ambulance. Watch the video again and tell me you don't see the car move or some other wrong justification for doing the least safe thing.
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u/Individdy G1W 5d ago
They stopped in the middle of the intersection, not because of car troubles, but for the ambulance.
You're asserting that this is the hidden cause, the workings of the driver's brain, but where did you observe their mental activity in the video? When a car has trouble, you'd see the same thing: braking as they notice the issue, coming to a stop once they decide it's not safe to drive, and hazard lights.
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u/ApartStrain7989 5d ago
The ambulance that crosses in front of them is the first piece of evidence, the second piece of evidence is the car continuing on after the ambulance passes. I mean you clearly did not actually pay attention while you had the video playing. Because if you actually saw any of the important details you'd know that my conclusion is correct
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u/Individdy G1W 5d ago
I mean you clearly did not actually pay attention while you had the video playing.
There you go again, assuming I didn't watch the video because I don't have the same conclusion as you. It would really help if you paid attention when you read my reply, where I described these details of the video, from memory even since I watched it so carefully yesterday. Read it again:
When I watched the video multiple times yesterday, I saw the car in front braking then coming to a stop and putting their hazards on in the intersection. After the emergency vehicle passes, their brake lights go off and thee accelerate forward, through the intersection.
So what is left? We both saw the same details. You can only imagine one possibility. I have given two. The only one you can imagine is the most ridiculous. Argument from incredulity? I can only conclude that your repeated baseless accusations of me not watching the video are to deflect from a lack of substance to your position.
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u/Klomlor161 6d ago
I was wondering if the ambulance was there for them