Red Light, Green Light

Yesterday, after a pretty lazy day, I drove across town shortly after sunset. I was driving along in a bit of a fog. (I know--not a good combination!) At my first big intersection I waited for a green light. And I promptly ran a red light. Fortunately the car turning left didn't gun it and insist on taking the right of way. I pulled over, quite shaken and waited for traffic to pass.


So, what gives? I've been in New Mexico for 5 1/2 years, but I am still not used to the lights here. In California our traffic lights were vertical (one on top of another). Ocassionally there was a second vertical signal for left turns. Here in NM our lights are horizontal. And the left turn arrow is in the middle, not on the far left. Several times a week I see at least one car start to go when the green arrow turns. But most people stop before they get through the crosswalk.


I am so thankful that the driver opposite me was not one of those drivers who just dash out without watching. And can I add...I'm thankful there was not a police officer at that intersection.

ETA
BTW...I was surprised when I googled "traffic lights" how may many weird configurations there were. I found this page with a bunch of links to traffic signs.

This one isn't exactly what NM's lights look like, but it's close.  Notice how the left turn light is NOT the farthest left.

This is close to what I'm used to.  Notice how the main light has 2 columns.  The left turn light is on the far left.