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RED LIGHT CAMERAS ARE BANNED IN TEXAS

I’ve written several blogs over the years about my dislike for street light cameras. And, I am happy to say that as of June, Red Traffic Light Cameras are banned in Texas.

The Good and Evil of Street Light Cameras

I say good riddance to red camera light tickets! As my niece would say, they have just yee’d their last haw! I had received two tickets for blowing through a solid yellow light. Of course, solid yellow sounds much better than a red light. Most drivers have gotten red light traffic tickets for a rolling stop (while taking a right on red or at a stop sign). Now, I’m not just off my meds when I say that some traffic lights are just way too short. And one certainly should never slam on the brakes at a yellow light for fear of being rear-ended by other drivers who are planning on making that light as well. Plus, foregoing a $75 fine by beating the light is pure satisfaction.

Some drivers believe that the red traffic light cameras prevent accidents. But, I would vouch for those other drivers who would agree that most of us goose it to get through a solid yellow light before it turns red, and of course, that factors into high-impact crashes in intersections. So, adios camera lights! That’s the last mug shot you are getting of me! (Or, a mug shot of someone else driving my stupid car).

So What Can We Expect Now?

So, this is how it’s going to play out. This new law will actually take effect on September 1st. This will allow communities more time to complete any contracts they have with companies that install and monitor their camera lights. Some cities will stop processing violations immediately, while others will still expect to receive revenue from violations already issued. These communities have the option to terminate their contracts immediately, but some may still have to pay early termination fees. So it may be in their best interest to keep their camera lights activated to receive revenue to pay these fees.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

 

RED LIGHT CAMERAS ARE BANNED IN TEXAS – Comedy Defensive Driving

Daun Thompson: Daun Thompson has spent years acting in both film and theatre which has been paramount in launching her onto the comedy stage (incidentally, without a helmet, resulting in a nasty concussion). Being a funny girl is a full time job. A job that she hopes that one day will come with dental benefits and a 401K. Unlike her work, she is biodegradable, yet flame retardant. And gentle to the touch. Her goal in life??? For strangers to approach her and ask "Didn't you used to be somebody?" In the late 1980's she cut her teeth at the Velveeta Room on 6th Street in Austin, Texas ... the original room with the stripper pole. From there, she moved to northern California and worked with many comedy icons, like Mitch Hedberg, Marc Maron, Colin Quinn, Vic Dunlop, Huck Flyn, Michael Mancini, Doug Ferrari, Shang and Brian Posehn. Daun has been a licensed driver safety instructor and trainer with Comedy Defensive Driving for over 9 years. Her knowledge of driving safety laws keeps her readers informed and engaged with her blog adventures. She still continues to do stand-up comedy, sometimes in a reclining position...just to be different.