Editor, Times-Union: I've seen as many red-light runners on U.S. 30 as anyone working in Warsaw.
I don't think red light cameras are a solution because no one has addressed the real issues.
Has the yellow-timing at intersections been proven adequate for heavily-laden trucks to stop? Why aren't traffic signals electronically coordinated with variable speed advisory displays so motorists can know what speed will let them hit all green lights? Why aren't the signals that ensnarl U.S. 30 replaced with smooth-flowing interchanges, like at Ind. 15? At least, why aren't the most dangerous signalized intersections replaced with far safer roundabouts?
Roundabouts in the city of Bloomington reduced both costs and accidents.
The Public Works director said, "Accident counts for the three years prior to constructing the roundabout were 30. The three years after the roundabout, we have had three accidents. We had estimated $1.2 million for designing and constructing a signalized intersection at this site. We spent $497,000 for the roundabout, and were able to design and construct another major project with the funds we were able to save."
Roundabouts have about fewer and less severe accidents than signalized intersections, because high-speed, fatal "T-bone" crashes common to signalized intersections are dramatically reduced. Statistics and a photograph may be seen at www.tfhrc.gov//////pubrds/fall95/p95a45.htm
At best, red light cameras do nothing about inattentive or impaired drivers. At worst, they simply turn the traffic stream into a revenue stream. Are we making memorials, headlines and profits, or are we improving safety?
Duke Ganote Fort Wayne via e-mail
No Signal
Editor, Times-Union: After the event on Sept. 11, 2001, and the October tornado we had last year, I decided to get a new cell phone from a local store. This phone is the latest and greatest and is certainly capable of making and receiving calls with one limitation. I live outside of downtown Warsaw three miles and cannot make or receive phone calls in my house, let alone my basement. I am committed to a two-year plan but must use roaming (40 cents a minute) to make or receive calls in my house. Why even bother signing up for a plan if I can't even use it in my own house. If companies are going to have local cellular phone service, then why aren't the towers up and running? I know I will enjoy using my life-saving device when I can finally use it!
Jeff Bridge Warsaw via e-mail
Thankful For Fans
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing this letter regarding the News View written by you on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002. You say Junta should be locked up, which I agree. But you cannot stereotype all the fans out there. If he went off the deep end over a practice he could have easily done the same over someone pulling out in front of him while driving.
You stated that awhile back you attended a non-varsity basketball game and that the fans were quite vocal. Though they were not yelling obscene or vulgar language, their comments were rather negative towards the referees and even the opposing players.
I am a freshman basketball player at Wawasee High School and in all the years I have played and attended other basketball games, I have never heard any fans/parents putting down other teams for playing hard.
I agree some of the things said to the referees are rather mean, as they are in all sports.
Coaches from all over the state, from sixth-12th grades, have taught their players to give 110 percent on the floor. Their expectations from the parents and fans are the same. The fans are what help motivate our team. Like the players, the fans give 110 percent until the buzzer sounds at the end of the fourth quarter.
Obviously Mr. Gerard missed the varsity game against Lakeland, where Coach Kem Zolman got the entire Wawasee crowd standing and cheering for their Lady Warriors. Magically our girls turned the game around, with the help of the fans, and won the game in the last quarter.
So, as you can see, it doesn't matter whether our team is up by 50 points or down by 50 points, our fans will always give 110 percent, and for that I am very thankful!
