Well, I've picked a controversial topic to blog about today....and I'm not worried about them one bit! Red-light cameras. This has got the be the best idea put forth to enforce traffic since sliced bread (at least for the Knox County area, anyway)! Before this week, I didn't lean one way or the other when it came to them, but now I welcome them with open arms and hope that they get put in at EVERY intersection with a traffic light in the ENTIRE COUNTY!!!!!!!!! Here's why I think they're a good idea for Knox County.
- Reduction of red-light runners. I'm tired of seeing 3 and 4 cars run the light at many intersections. This reduces the amount of time for the ones who have waited patiently for the light to turn green to then move and for some, they end up waiting for yet another cycle of red as a result.
- Video evidence in cases of accidents and crimes in progress. Sure, initially, they won't be used for this purpose, but why not use them for that purpose as well.
- Evidence in other moving violations--such as the cheaters over at Peters Road & Cedar Bluff who drive me and many of my fellow law abiding citizens absolutely MAD!
- Increase the awareness of driving behavior and its effects on others. I'm tired of the "monkey see, monkey do" attitude.
For those of you who claim that Red-light cameras increase rear-end accidents, I tell you this--
If you rear-end someone who is stopping at a red-light, you're either--
- Driving Too Fast
- Not Paying Attention
- Too close to the car in front of you
- Combination of the 3 above
- Deserve the ticket regardless of your reason for performing any of above that you did.
And in reality, rear-end collisions are only increased for a few months at most. Once you've gotten used to them, you will either comply or be hit with the consequences. Literally!
Lastly, for those of you that think this reeks of "Big Brother," well I'm sorry to say that although I disliked the idea originally, after driving through this county enough and having seen the "wild west" attitude, I had to change my mind. After all, I want my future kids and hopefully grandkids to grow up in a calmer, more peaceful environment than is out on our roadways now. I want them to learn that respecting the law is actually a good thing. Remember driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a right. If you choose to disobey the rules of the road, you don't deserve to drive. If I get caught running a red-light, then I deserve the ticket, just like everyone else!
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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.
