red light cameras (Kingsport, Colonial Heights: buy, price, shop)

[jabogitlu]

I ****ing hate to see red light cameras go up in Johnson City. They cause so many traffic problems, most especially traffic back-ups. Jonesborough has done NOTHING to address the traffic problems caused by Boones Creek Rd / 11E intersection and putting up the light exacerbated these problems; people proceed through the light at 30 or below (in a 45) to avoid being caught "in a yellow," which supposedly doesn't mean a ticket - but sometimes it does.

Traffic back ups at Market/Franklin in JC are BAD anyway. A camera there is going to be disastrous.

[ljay42]

Instead of cameras, we should make it illegal to talk on a cell phone or text while driving. Unbelievable how dangerous it has become to drive because of these habits.

I would be the Gomer Pyle of Johnson City - Citizens arrest...citizens arrest!!!! That's right...I'd turn my mother in if that law passed.

[rccrain]

I get the validity of the texting problem; but how is talking on a cell phone any more dangerous than talking to a passenger?

[ljay42]

Many studies have been done that show talking on a cell phone is more dangerous then drunk driving. I could probably go find one...brb


ok, here's one of many. Cell phones as dangerous as drunk driving | News Blog - CNET News

[rccrain]

Should it also be illegal to converse with a passenger? I don't really see a difference between having a phone on speaker and talking to a passenger.

[ljay42]

Originally Posted by rccrain

Should it also be illegal to converse with a passenger? I don't really see a difference between having a phone on speaker and talking to a passenger.

Couldn't say rc, I haven't seen any data on chatting with a passenger. But the data on cell phones is pretty overwhelming imo.

[blindsolitude]

Tennessee does have a law banning texting while driving. It began on 7/1. Texting While Driving in Tennessee: Banned Beginning July 1 | TriCities (http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/texting_while_driving_in_tennessee_banned_beginnin g_july_1/27667 - broken link)

[donsabi]

Back to traffic cams:

Today I noticed that the traffic cam on Stone Dr just past I-26 seems to vary the timing of the yellow light. Of course I didn't time it but I think a good idea might be to have News 5, (or other news station), time these different lights at different time of the day. I could swear that when I go through that intersection in the afternoon the yellow lasts longer and in early morning when there is little traffic. Many of the so-called "smart lights" vary the light duration according to traffic.

[ljay42]

Originally Posted by blindsolitude

Tennessee does have a law banning texting while driving. It began on 7/1. Texting While Driving in Tennessee: Banned Beginning July 1 | TriCities (http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/texting_while_driving_in_tennessee_banned_beginnin g_july_1/27667 - broken link)

Yep, thanks BS..my daughter reminded me of that this morning.

[tvlcompanygirl]

Originally Posted by adiostexas

Well we got a ticket in the mail today. Rats if I had read this thread earlier we might have avoided it. We're new here and being from Dallas area (where traffic is fun! ) dear hubby is not used to following the rules so much.

Oh well. Once I read the thread I warned him and we found what they look like, but alas, it was too late.

I'm reeeeeaaaaally hoping there aren't more on the way until the point I told him. He got it at the Colonial Heights one.

You should fight the ticket and demand to see the picture. The burden of proof is on the city. If they can't prove who was driving, and hence, who the ticket is for, it has to be thrown out. From what I understand, these pictures only have a picture of the car and/or license plate and not the driver. You could loaned your car to 10 friends that day. How would you know whose ticket it is?