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 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
- ^ Lane, Keith. Amber Gambler. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ a b c Kerekes, David (16 November 2015). Journal of Sex, Religion, Death. Level Two: Food for Thought: Headpress. p. 64.
- ^ "Public Information Films". TV Ark. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
- ^ Kahlon, Jas (25 November 2015). "Are you an Amber Gambler? How many know that amber light means stop!?". Motoring News. Premium Choice. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
- ^ "Amber Gambler". Collins Dictionary. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
External links
- Amber Gambler Twins 40-second safety commercial from 1977 YouTube