I agree with you, Michael. My car was totaled just four weeks ago by an "egregious" red light runner. It was in rush hour traffic at 5:30 p.m. I was traveling west on W. Broadway and intended to make a left turn onto Lyndale (to go south). It was obvious there was no way to get across the intersection with a green (there is no turn light there). So I did as taught in the 55-Alive driving class: I moved to the center of the intersection and waited for the light to turn red. It turned red, and the driver in the inner lane going east ran the red light (and yes, it was red). The driver behind him stopped. There was another car coming in the outer lane going east but she was quite a ways from the intersection. I looked up to be sure the light was red and then moved forward because the Lyndale traffic was beginning to cross Broadway and I was in the middle of the intersection. Well, that other driver didn't stop but plowed into my car. She was obviously flying to beat the light. My car had just begun to move forward from a dead stop. The damage was extensive--the front of the car was basically lying on the ground, the hood crumpled, the driver's fender jammed back so that I couldn't open the door. And she has had the nerve to have a lawyer write to my insurance company about "personal injury" sustained in the accident. Amazing!
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Thompson Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 10:05 PM To: Mpls list Subject: [Mpls] A Real Minneapolis Problem I know that this issue was recently debated in terms of the red light cameras proposed for the city, but I have more to say on this issue. Red light running is a serious problem in this city. Serious. I've lived in many U.S. cities, to include Portland, Madison and New York City. I've driven in Europe, Central America, and in Africa. I know drivers. And nowhere I've ever driven, anywhere, have drivers been worse for red light running than here in Minneapolis. No where. On the way home from my work downtown today I witnessed THREE!!! drivers go through red lights.... so egregiously, I might add, that my light was already green (yep, these were at delayed stop lights). Drivers in Africa have more respect for red lights than many drivers in Minneapolis. I mean that. Red lights are merely a suggestion to many drivers in this city. Apparently drivers stop at red lights if they feel like it or if it suits their timetable. And I'll also say this: red light running in Minneapolis is a ticking time bomb. Mark my words: it is only a matter of time before somebody is killed in this city by a red light runner. It's gonna happen as sure as anything, and we're all going to stand as a city wringing our hands. I'll be honest with this group: I'm mostly a card-carrying Libertarian, though I consider myself a "big tent" Libertarian which means that I'm open to reason on many issues. In my heart, I'm not a big fan of red light cameras, especially considering their use as a revenue enhancement tool. But I'd support them if the bugs, like quick yellows, are worked out. Somebody is going to die very soon, and if the cameras help keep peole from dying, let's get them going. This is a serious Minneapolis issue, folks, and one that directly impacts quality of life here. Mike Thompson Windom REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
