Smile, you're on red light cameras

State Rep. Robert Schenck, James T. Woods, et al: Give it a rest already about fines for "red light" violations and how they're distributed. If you don't violate (run) a traffic control signal, then this is not an issue. It goes with "if you aren't guilty ..."

Present day motor vehicle operators apparently believe state Division of Motor Vehicle laws teach and uphold, "when the signal advances to yellow, speed up your vehicle as fast as the traffic will allow in order to beat the red signal."

Recently had I proceeded on a green signal from Mondon Hill Road onto S.R. 50 eastbound, a Hernando County school bus would have imbedded itself in my vehicle and I would not be commenting on your aggravations with the law.

Rep Schenck, are the constituents you seem to be all up in arms about moving traffic violators? What about the law-abiding citizens who want safe roads and lower insurance rates?

Perhaps Rep. Schenck and Mr. Woods may want to refresh their memories of current law at Florida Statute 316.075: Traffic control signal devices: Steady yellow indication - vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection. Steady red indication - vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown.

Don't need an attorney to interpret that law. Drive safely, obey traffic laws and smile for the cameras. Otherwise, thanks for your contribution.

Tom Damico

Brooksville