-----Original Message----- From: Dorothy Titus Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 4:43 PM
I agree with you, Michael. My car was totaled just four weeks ago by an "egregious" red light runner. -----Original Message----- From: Michael Thompson 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. ... 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. ... [TB] The long established local custom in Minneapolis is that you can get 3 cars through after the light turns red. That is likely why there is a delay from the light turning red until the cross street turns green; it protects those who are not familiar with local custom from entering a dangerous intersection. The custom is so well established that MTCO busses will drop off passengers at the bus stop, then start thru come off their stop and start moving after the light turns red. Occasionally they will utilize their horn before entering the intersection. Stand for a few minutes at the corner of 9th and Marquette between 7:30 and 8:00 AM and watch the southbound busses that are well rehearsed in this maneuver. Unlike Cairo, where traffic lights are advisory unless there is a uniformed officer standing in the intersection (in Egypt the officer will record your plate number and you pay your recorded fines when you go to renew your plates), drivers in Minneapolis do stop after the light has been red for a few seconds (presumably they have then drawn the conclusion that the light will be staying red, not changing to an alternative color). The problem isn't that many drivers have a delayed reaction to the change in the lights, the problem is that some drivers what to react immediately to the change to green. When in Rome (or Minneapolis) do as the Romans (or Minneapolitans) and you will avoid all the problems. Terrell Brown Loring Park 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:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
