The Bob Effect

 Traffic lights. 

Intersection of A1A and Indiantown Rd
Jupiter, FL
June 11, 2026

My superpower is getting stopped by more than my share of traffic lights. 

Traffic lights apparently become aware of my approach and turn red. Ugh! Driving often becomes a painful slog. I approach empty intersections and wait for no one until the light turns green. It is frustrating. 

It is the Bob Effect. Green lights turn red.

Green lights turn to yellow and then red as I approach. 

There is a stretch of 5 lights from the corner of South Dixie Highway and Village Blvd to Toney Penna and ALt A1A that I regularly drive. I have begun to make it a game as to how many of the 5 intersections I be waiting. Most days it id 3 or 4 of the 5. On good days it is only 2. I have never made it through all intersections 5 without being stopped by red.

Having my progress halted by red lights is, therefore, obviously, my superpower. Chris and I laugh about it all of the time and I usually add about 5 minutes to a projected driving time to compensate for my proclivity to be stopped at red lights. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL