Amber Gambler is a metaphorical phrase and the title of a 1967 British public information film (PIF),[1] about the dangers of speeding through traffic lights before the amber changes to red "when there is ample time to stop",[2] or in advance of it turning to green.[3]
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The Amber Gambler Twins is one of many public interest films trying to change the public's behaviour.[3][4] It tries to induce a reflective moment leading to an "I see" epiphany.[3]
Plot
editAs 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.[5] It characterizes amber gambling as racing through amber lights at one end of the cycle or the other.[6]
Other uses
editIn the early 1990s, the term became popular with ufologists in describing mysterious orange lights sighted around crop circle sites.
The term was used during the COVID-19 pandemic to refer to holidaymakers arranging travel to restricted destinations in the hope that the restrictions were lifted before or during their holiday.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Amber Gambler". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
- ^ Lane, Keith (2002). Amber Gambler. Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781903706404. 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. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. 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. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
- ^ "Amber Gambler". Collins Dictionary. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
- ^ "The Times view on contradictory Covid travel advice: Amber Gambler". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
External links
edit
- Amber Gambler Twins 40-second safety commercial from 1977 YouTube