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6 Cities Caught Shortening Yellow Light Times for Profit

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by kaleidosky, Apr 14, 2008.

  1. BetterThanI

    BetterThanI Member

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    Tell that to my wife, who, in one year, was hit by not one, not two, but THREE morons who ran a red light (the last of which totaled our car). Is it a revenue generator? Sure. Should you stop running red lights and putting other people at risk so you can save 2 minutes in your commute? Absolutely.

    Okay, that was pretty darn funny. :D
     
  2. macalu

    macalu Member

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    i don't have a problem with the red light cameras. i have a problem with the shortened yellow light.
     
  3. Jebus

    Jebus Member

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    I think it's just as likely (or probably more likely) that you'll be the one broadsided by someone trying to race through to beat the red.
     
  4. dandorotik

    dandorotik Member

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    Which one is that? I'm up here in the Hub.
     
  5. mrpaige

    mrpaige Member

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    The problem, and the problem this article points out, is that the Department of Transportation studied light timing and determined that, in order to maximize safety, the yellow light needed to be at least a certain duration.

    These cities took a look at that safety data and apparently said, "That doesn't earn us enough money" and instead set the yellow light duration to a time SHORTER than the established minimum safe duration.

    Logic would dictate that this action would make those intersections LESS safe rather than more safe.

    In this case, the cameras themselves aren't really the issue, The issue that I have a problem with is these cities deciding that revenue generation is more important than the safety of its citizens and rigging the lights to put their citizens at higher risk just so they can make more money.
     
  6. dntrwl

    dntrwl Member

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    the one on texas tech freeway, its kinda an overpass over a freeway with tons of construction every year. I hate those 2 lights.
     
  7. ghettocheeze

    ghettocheeze Member

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    Got a love letter in mail. Gulf Freeway and Woodridge $75 penalty.
     
  8. Rashmon

    Rashmon Member

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    Unfortunately, you are correct.
     
  9. mrpaige

    mrpaige Member

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    Given the increases in collisions at intersections with red light cameras (according to studies), there's a decent chance you can be both the hitter and the hittee at different times. With more accidents to go around, there's more chance for everyone to participate.
     

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