EDITORIAL: Running red lights is increasing accidents in Lubbock, so quit it
By Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Unfortunately, too many of us are doing that.
The number of wrecks involving drivers who ran red lights increased 50 percent in 2013, according to
Far too many drivers are causing traffic accidents by speeding as well.
About 30 percent of the 10,344 collisions in
And although it's hard to imagine
We all need to get places.
But hit the brakes when your need to hurry can kill you or someone else.
When a dangerous statistic increases by 50 percent in a year, as the red-light statistic did, it's going to draw a lot of attention.
Many people hate the thought of them.
The best way to avoid red light cameras is to drive responsibly. It's also a matter of common sense and common courtesy. Slow down, and don't be in such a hurry. Pay attention, and leave sooner to allow more time to get to a destination safely.
If courtesy is not enough of a motivator to resist sneaking through a red light, then fear of a traffic ticket should be.
Motorcycle units and different traffic patrol units are taking assignments at intersections to watch for red-light runners, he said.
"We tell them to sit inconspiculously somewhere that has a good view of the traffic light," Lewis said.
There are no regular assignments, he said. The officers watching the traffic lights are working different times and are stationed irregularly around the city.
The LPD's traffic department is keeping track of the intersections and the number of citations being written as the red-light issue is addressed, Lewis said.
The increased number of red-light-related crashes shows a lot more people were making that bad driving decision in 2013.
Taking chances by speeding or running a red light is selfish and foolish, and it puts other people at risk.
Drivers who want to save time will find themselves accomplishing just the opposite if they are stopped and ticketed or have an accident because of their bad choices.
At-a-glance
-- Our position: Traffic laws are written to prevent drivers from causing accidents.The 50 percent increase in accidents related to running red lights in 2013 shows too many drivers were making a bad decision. And more accidents are caused by speeding than by running red lights. Such accidents can be avoided simply with sensible driving.
-- Why you should care:
-- For more information: Log on to our website, www.lubbockonline.com, and enter the words "traffic congestion" and "red lights" in the search box.
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(c)2014 the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas)
Visit the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Lubbock, Texas) at www.lubbockonline.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
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