Letter: Red Lights Matter

Published: 01-23-2025 9:05 AM

When I got my license, and then when I took defensive driving classes for work, I was taught that when you saw a yellow light you were to proceed with caution and stop if you were able. I realize that times have changed, but it seems to me that what I was taught still makes sense.

Apparently not. I routinely see people run red lights when they had plenty of time to stop, and I have almost been hit twice by people who were speeding through a red light that had turned red well before they got to the intersection. I have also almost been hit from behind several times when stopping for a yellow light that would turn red before I got through the intersection. I know that I am in the minority these days, and I am sure many people reading this letter – including many of my friends – are thinking that I should worry about something else more important. However, not only do I think it is a safety issue, but I also happen to think it is an indication of the lack of respect these days for the law and for our responsibilities as a member of society.

I’m just not sure why it has become okay to run a red light, but like speed limits, drivers seem to see stopping for red lights more as a suggestion than as the law. Perhaps someone can explain to me why it’s okay.

Chris Simmers

Concord

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