After returning home from work the other day, I found an unpleasant surprise waiting for me in the mailbox. Amid the junk mail and endless brochures was a notice from the Maryland police. Of course, I was intrigued. I tore the envelope open quickly only to find a paper with three small images of my car running a red light! The first feeling that came into my mind was a sense of being naked — exposed — for the enjoyment of Big Brother. I was shocked and surprised to realize that I actually did this early one morning. I’m someone who drives very carefully and extremely slowly, something that drives my husband absolutely crazy. "These cameras are just revenue generators!" was his only commentary on the incident. Well, they certainly are controversial. The only reason I can offer for my red light running was being half-asleep while listening to the early morning weather report! The price for this careless behavior: $75! Sigh. No more early morning radio for me! Bring on Green Day. (Image enlarges on click.) |
Thank God you were not T-boned and or hurt! I ran a red light in DC last month, and did not realise it until a friend told me “you just ran that red light”! Sometimes the mind just wanders. Take care.
Jeff,I agree it’s unfair to fine the car’s owner even if they were not driving at the time.Hopefully they make an exception if somone steals your car and runs a red light.Apparently a real cop has to witness the moving violation to make it “official.” Anyway,whether hidden cameras are right or wrong,the mere fact that they might be there is enough to make me think twice about accelerating on yellow instead of stopping.
Well, there are cameras in banks, ATMs, federal buildings, all sorts of other places where there is a risk of crime. I would say with the thousands of people killed every year because of crimes comitted on our roads, ie speeding, running red lights, I would say these are not less needed than cameras at ATMs, banks and Federal buildings.
I would hazard a guess and say less than 10,000 people were killed last year at ATMs, banks and Federal Buildings, yet I dont see anyone complaining about their innocence when they see these cameras?
Again, cameras are a small price to pay if it can save even 1,000 lives a year.