Good night / Bad night

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kyle · #1 Unread post by **kyle** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 4:40 pm

Went to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith tonight, and had a blast. Good movie, for those so inclined.

On the way home, though, specifically on my way out of Huntsville, I had not one but two cars move into my 3-4 second gap, right in front of a light that at the same moment chose to turn red. Rear wheel skid, slight fishtail to the right, but remained upright and managed to stop about 2 feet from the green car in front of me. A little shook, but not too much to keep going. About 2 miles up the road is another stoplight, I've regained my 3-4 second gap, but when the light went yellow, I immediately checked my mirror to see how close the car behind me was. This is 9:00 at night, and its close enough for me to see that its a white car with a male driver... too close for me to feel comfortable trying to stop in that "iffy" range, so I speed up through the light, and before I go under I see the light go red, and see that sickening flash as the camera snaps a picture of the "wreckless youth running a red light". This light and these cameras just went in maybe 3-4 weeks ago, so I don't know if they've got the system totally up and are issuing tickets yet, but if they are, I'm not looking forward to it.

But hey, at least I made it home in one piece, eh?

honda599 · #2 Unread post by **honda599** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 4:51 pm

We have red light cameras here in Vancouver also.

You'll get a nice picture sent to you that will cost you over 100.00!

Gadjet · #3 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 6:49 pm

The one good side of the photo radar tickets (red light or speeding) is that they don't affect your license. After all, they can't prove that it was you that was in control of the vehicle when the 'incident' occured. those tickets are only attached to the license plate.

bikemech · #4 Unread post by **bikemech** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:51 am

On the way home, though, specifically on my way out of Huntsville

Sorry to hear about that. But at least you did not go down. Which Huntsville do you live in? I live in Huntsville, AL and I have heard the cameras installed at the red lights here are for accident information purposes only.

kyle · #5 Unread post by **kyle** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:01 am

Yeah, I actually live a ways west of Huntsville, and was going west on 72, just past all the road construction they're doing.

Where'd you hear about the cameras?

iwannadie · #6 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:08 am

bikemech wrote:
On the way home, though, specifically on my way out of Huntsville
Sorry to hear about that. But at least you did not go down. Which Huntsville do you live in? I live in Huntsville, AL and I have heard the cameras installed at the red lights here are for accident information purposes only.

if you see a flash youll get a ticket im sure. no point in taking a picture of a red light runner and not ticket them. here at least youll get a ticket every time. just fight it, say you werent on the bike you let a friend barrow it or something.

#7 Unread post by **Sev** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:33 am

I'm just glad you made it back in one peice. Personally I'd pay the $80 fine to run the red as opposed to paying several hundred to extract a car from your muffler. Coupled with the cost of any injuries you sustain.

TheReaper · #8 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:46 am

Glad to hear you made it home okay.

If they give you the opportunity I'd make a court appearance on it. Just explain to the judge what happened. Worse case scenario you'll still have to pay the fine and be out a little time. However, I spent some time working in the courts and found that if you take the time and effort to make an appearance and put forth an intelligent argument then the judges will work with you a bit. If you can articulate safety concerns maybe you can convince them to waive the ticket this go round. Especially with a clean driving record. Really, what would it hurt to try?

mysta2 · #9 Unread post by **mysta2** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 3:59 am

TheReaper wrote:Glad to hear you made it home okay.

If they give you the opportunity I'd make a court appearance on it...

Definiately go in. If it were me I wouldn't lie and contest it, but I would take the time to go in. All the cases I've sat through (while waiting for my turn) have gotten knocked down unless you've got a gross history of misconduct. Most of the ones I've seen didn't even have a good reason... they just admitted to speeding or whatever and the judge would usually cut thier fine at least in half for showing up.

Buelligan · Thu Jun 30, 2005 4:37 am

If you're really lucky the judge will be a rider and understand what happened!

I agree with disputing it, but I'm wondering if you do, and you lose, if you then also get the points?

Maybe if a ticket does come in the mail, give them a call first and find out.