Outsiders often think of us as a bunch of rude people, especially on the road. "Massholes" is the common term. Local drivers often ignore traffic signs, lanes (if they're marked at all), and especially traffic lights. Even in Israel, home of the macho "I will not let you pass me even if it kills me" driver, traffic lights are strictly obeyed. Not here.
But I've come to realize that there's a plausible explanation for this phenomenon. We're not crazy, we're not reckless - we just have an acute sense of justice. Which brings me to the Five Seconds Rule:
If a driver approaching an intersection would be able to cross it safely and legally, but, through no fault of his own, is barred from doing it, for example since the driver in front of him is too slow, or since pedestrians are crossing in red, or since he was busy sending an important text message, in this case his right of way is extended by 5 seconds from the moment the light turned red.
Check it out the next time someone runs a red light in front of you and you'll see it makes perfect sense.
