When I Was Young

I SAY

Craig D’Souza

I REFER to “Do more to curb ‘red light jumping’” (May 18).

It is of utmost importance to highlight that Mr Martin C Conisbee’s account of red light jumping three times last week is not indicative of the true frequency of this occurrence.

I have noticed this trend increasing within the last year itself, especially since I use public transport frequently and am forced to cross road junctions often.

The day would not be normal if at the traffic light, I do not see a vehicle beat the right-turn green arrow, even after it has turned red.

I wonder if due to high operation costs, the red light cameras have been switched off.

This seems to have emboldened errant drivers who streak across even if the light is not on their side.

This blatant devil-may-care attitude struck home hard last week. My mum was preparing to turn right as the green right-turn arrow lit up, when she noticed that something was amiss on the other side of the road and jammed her brakes just in time to avoid a lorry hurtling across the road. The light was clearly red on his side, and while my mother had the undeniable right of way, it seemed the lorry driver wanted to usurp that right.

With such arrogant and aggressive driving, is there any wonder why there are now more accidents on the road? Or why car insurance premiums are rising?

Why are we driving like Third-World drivers in a First-World country? The risks and harm clearly outweigh the benefits of beating a red light.

I sincerely hope the authorities will take such drivers to task.

More importantly, I urge road users to be responsible and exercise restraint and caution.

The next time you beat a red light, think about the consequences of doing something so reckless and imagine what would happen if a loved one got killed because of a similar act of recklessness.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 20-May-2009