Amber Gambler

Amber Gambler is a metaphorical phrase and the title of a British public information film (PIF) from the 1970s, about the dangers of speeding through traffic lights before the amber changes to red "when there is ample time to stop",[1] or in advance of it turning to green.[2]

The Amber Gambler Twins is one of many public interest films trying to change the public's behavior.[2][3] It tries to induce a reflective moment leading to an "I see" epiphany.[2]

Plot

As a voice-over narrates, a man is seen driving and ignoring amber traffic light signals, until the odds catch up with him and he strikes another "amber gambler". In getting out of his car to confront the other driver, the camera pulls back to reveal that the other person is himself.

The phrase has been popularly used to succinctly describe high risk driving behaviors that enhance the likelihood of automobile collisions, damage, injury and death.[4] It characterizes amber gambling as racing through amber lights at one end of the cycle or the other.[5]

Other uses

In the early 1990s, the term became popular with ufologists in describing mysterious orange lights sighted around crop circle sites.

See also

References
  1. Lane, Keith. Amber Gambler. Automotive A-Z: Lane's Complete Dictionary of Automotive Terms. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  2. Kerekes, David (16 November 2015). Journal of Sex, Religion, Death. Level Two: Food for Thought: Headpress. p. 64.
  3. "Public Information Films". TV Ark. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  4. Kahlon, Jas (25 November 2015). "Are you an Amber Gambler? How many know that amber light means stop!?". Motoring News. Premium Choice. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  5. "Amber Gambler". Collins Dictionary. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
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