As promised, today's column will continue to address reader opinions and questions about red-light cameras.
A special kudo goes out to 92-year-old Nadine Waymire of San Bernardino. Nadine sent me the following gem, which she composed at the suggestion of her granddaughter:
"A few weeks ago I had quite a shock.
When I opened my mail, and guess what I got?
A notification by letter that I had run a red light;
I could hardly believe it, though assumed it was right.
Having been a court clerk, I certainly knew
That running a red light was a no-no, taboo.
I believe that the traffic did not let me through
And the surveillance camera did what it was supposed to do.
It certainly spoiled my record, of which I have bragged;
For it was the first moving violation that I've ever had.
For 76 years I've had a license to drive;
And that's longer than many of you have been alive.
Not only was my ego hurt, there was still more pain.
For it cost me $391 to clear my name."
Question: I own a small company with several trucks registered to the company. I got a ticket in the mail for someone not stopping at a red light. The picture is not me. Do I have to tell the court who the person is, if I know? Do I even have to respond to the paperwork, or can I throw it in the trash? - David R. Moore
Answer: Keep that paperwork away from the circular file, David. Since the vehicle is registered in your company's name, you will either need to pay the fine or give the driver's information to the court so that he can pay the piper.
Reader comment: Unfortunately, people won't change their behaviors unless there is a consequence to their actions. Perhaps getting a few "camera tickets" will be enough to elicit that change. - Leanne Graff, Loma Linda
Question: Last week, as I approached an intersection that I'm aware has a camera, I got into the left-turn lane. Then, after coming to a complete stop at the red left-turn light, I decided to instead continue on straight. After checking for traffic and signaling to re-enter the lane, I proceeded straight through a green light. Then I noticed the flash of the camera. Did I break a law? - Kevin, Alta Loma
Answer: When you were in the left-turn lane, Kevin, you ran over the sensors in the ground for that lane when you moved over to go straight. Since the left-turn light was red, it triggered the camera as a violation. Your lane change was not illegal, but it is going to be up to the discretion of a judge whether this citation sticks.
Reader comment: In today's world, red lights seem to be only a suggestion. I am 100 percent in favor of photo enforcement at all intersections. Without laws (or enforcement) many people would do whatever they want, regardless of what is safe. - Mark Bailey
Michelle Groh-Gordy is the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online at www.trafficinteractive.com , and writes a syndicated weekly column on driving for the publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
