The yellow traffic light can be a driver's worst nightmare. Decisions about speeding up, slamming on the brakes or trying your luck with red light cameras abound whenever you approach an intersection, but some drivers in Florida recently had to face an even more difficult situation. Municipalities throughout the state shortened the length of yellow lights below the standards given by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with some people claiming they did so with the intent of ticketing more drivers, AutoBlog reports. 

"Red light cameras are a for-profit business between cities and camera companies and the state," James Walker, executive director of the National Motorists Association, told WTSP News. "The [rule change] was done, I believe, deliberately in order that more tickets would be given with yellows set deliberately too short." 

The change, which has been in effect since 2011, only reduced the times by fractions of a second. However, even a half-second decrease in time could double the amount of fines handed out because of red light cameras, the news source reports. Although this specific study focused on Florida, it wouldn't be surprising to see similar issues crop up in others places around the U.S. as states try to supplement their funds with revenue from red light cameras. 

No matter how long yellow lights last for, drivers in any state need to ensure their vehicle's brakes, tail lights, blinkers and other equipment are functioning properly. You can take a car to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction for a tune up that checks out all of these areas and more. When you know everything is in working condition, you'll feel more confident as you approach situations at intersections or with heavy traffic.