Red Means Stop, Y'all
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 11:44AM "So, which one of my kids did this?" TG inquired amiably as he surveyed the official-looking piece of mail I handed to him yesterday evening (this was just after he left me breathless with about 50 thrillingly passionate so-glad-you're-finally-home type kisses ... just so you know). I laughed and revealed the identity of said offending offspring, i.e. our "baby" daughter, Erica.
See, what happened was, the mail was courtesy of the City of Knoxville's "Photo Enforcement Program" and involved a certain incident in which, a few weeks ago, our college-senior kid was photographed running a red light. The pictures are excellent! I could make out her license plate number without reaching for my glasses!
This is only going to cost us $50. Chump change!
"I've already called and fussed at her," I told TG, whose handsome face wore an expression more of amusement than vexation (maybe it was all those kisses). "She said the light comes up on you really fast and you don't want to slam on your brakes or anything." Oh no ... not even to avoid entering a busy intersection when two round red unblinking eyes have been staring down at your lane of travel for 2.10 seconds!
See, I know exactly how long the light had been red when Erica went through it, because I was invited to visit www.photonotice.com and enjoy a video of her committing the crime (I had to provide my own popcorn). I also know that she was doing 29 mph in a 35 mph zone at the moment she ran the light, so at least we can be relieved that she was not disregarding speed laws as well as automated traffic signals. No doubt there would have been a separate citation for that! In this life you learn to be grateful for small favors.
Speaking of which, this is only going to cost us $50. Chump change!
I have no problem with paying the $50 as long as Erica learns something from the no doubt awe-inspiring experience of having flashbulbs go off in her face as she runs a red light. Being a conservative, God-fearing, law-abiding (if a tad ditsy) citizen, I'm totally on the side of law enforcement.
However.
I wish there had been more law enforcement on the job yesterday when I wended my way from North Carolina to South Carolina with the precious cargo of my granddaughter, Melanie, age three, snoozing in the backseat. Because while I always set my cruise control four miles over the posted speed limit (so as to avoid being obliterated by those casually exceeding the limit by 15 mph), and am careful to occupy the passing lane only when overtaking slower vehicles (which doesn't happen very often), at least a dozen aggressive drivers (several operating semi-tractor-trailers) approached my bumper much too hurriedly before abruptly changing lanes to go around me as if my tires were full of concrete instead of air.
It's scary.
If something happened to Melanie on my lookout, even if it were not technically my fault, I'm not sure I would survive it.
By the way, she's standing four feet from me right now, working a puzzle about various modes of transportation, and she's making vociferous car sounds. Kid's smart.
Amazingly, I saw not a single squad car of any stripe or persuasion as I drove for those three hours yesterday, save one that sat at a light about a mile from my home. I'm not ready to live in a police state, but if they're going to put cameras at intersections so that a policeman who is somewhere else at the precise moment my child runs a light (I didn't say he was at Dunkin' Donuts ... why are you thinking that?), I wish law enforcement would be more of a presence on the interstates when you feel you're being hounded ... nay, terrorized ... by drivers who choose to egregiously (and with apparent impunity) ignore the posted speed limit.
They're not just guidelines, after all. Everybody slow down, 'k? And remember: red means stop.
Reader Comments (8)
I agree. I find this, like most of your posts, to be quite entertaining, especially since I have yet to begin driving. One thing I have learned (an officer told me this) is that yellow really does mean hurry.
Yes, indeed, red does mean stop.
I also find it amusing, and slightly annoying, that the state troopers and police officers are not present during situations like yours, however, if there is any excuse for them to show up to a specific location, they flock to the scene in a much greater number than is truly necessary. This may only be true for the West Columbia and Cayce dispatch.
Well, Robyn darling, when you do start driving, just be careful! Unfortunately when it comes to the mistakes you can make when operating a motor vehicle, most people learn the hard way. And you're right: when you need a policeman they seem to be scarce ... but when you least want to see one, there he is. LOL!
I make it a habit to go no more than five, maybe ten at most miles over the posted speed. It promotes my relaxation and well being, plus I don't want to pay a $400 speeding ticket!
I agree, I too would prefer their personal presence (the nerve of your having to provide your own popcorn!).
Oh, I know! At least issue the citation in person! Like Meg Ryan's character famously said in You've Got Mail, if a thing can't be anything else, at least it should be personal!
This comment has nothing to do with the story about Erica, but I just had to say that I absolutely LOVE that movie. You've Got Mail is one of the most fascinating movies ever! The plot is one so obvious to the audience, and yet the characters remain oblivious. Oh, the joys of modern entertainment.
Yep, it's a good movie, as are the "Golden Age" versions from which it was copied! If you haven't seen The Shop Around The Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, or In The Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, you really should make it a point to watch both!
I'm glad you got said PC (precious cargo) to your place of abode with nary a scratch and all napped up, which means she was rarin' to go when you got her to said dwelling and YOU were ready for a nap! $50? You got off easy, mate! I'm glad TD (The Daughter) got nary a scratch, too.
Yes, I hope all Erica got was an apparently much-needed lesson! Our visit with precious Melly went so fast ... Greg took her home today (Sunday) ... her mommy missed her. Of course we'll all be together in Knoxville next weekend for Erica's college graduation! Three down, four to go!
Still waiting to hear good news from you, June dearest!