Editor, Times-Union: Although many drivers who run red lights do not intend to injure or kill others, their actions are resulting in terrible devastation each year. Too many U.S. drivers just don't seem to get it - that by running a red light they are breaking the law and may well injure or kill someone because of their dangerous behavior. In fact, U.S. drivers annually are responsible for approximately 219,000 intersection crashes, 181,000 injuries and over 1,100 deaths due to running red lights. Studies show that although 98.5 percent of drivers believe red light running is dangerous, 58.5 percent of those same drivers admit to running them. The main reason given - simply in a hurry.
Sponsored by the federal Highway Administration and the American Trauma Society, Aug. 30 kicked off the beginning of National Stop on Red Week. During this time, many traffic safety organizations attempt to bring to drivers' attention the fact that every intersection is inherently dangerous in the hope of fostering more responsible driving behavior. The Arizona Diamondbacks are avid supporters of traffic safety, and as their general manager, Joe Garagiola Jr., recently stated, "If you want to increase your own chances of getting home safely, take your foot off the skinny pedal and apply it to the big fat pedal a little more often." As the national spokesperson for the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running, I am urging drivers to internalize a safety consciousness, to drive defensively at all times, being especially careful at intersections, and to encourage others to do the same.
If your voice can help just one more driver to be a bit more careful at intersections, you have done a great service. But please don't stop there. Voice your support of our officers and leaders. Write or call your legislators to support legislation that would assist officers to provide consistent enforcement of intersection traffic laws. And please, even if you have the green light, look one extra time before entering any intersection, just to make sure. Don't become the victim of a driver simply in a hurry - someone who cares more for his time than for your safety.
Ann Sweet Mational spokesperson National Campaign To Stop Red Light Running
Thanks For Gift
Editor, Times-Union: Our Father's House would like to confirm the gift of all the food items that were intended for the Kosciusko Organized Labor Picnic. We are in grateful receipt of paper plates, buns, dogs, relish, condiments and even charcoal and lighter. We are saddened by the cancellation but thrilled with the donation. Thanks so much.
Roz Morgan Director Our Father's House Warsaw
Wagon Wheel Kudos
Editor, Times-Union: HELLO KOSCUISKO COUNTY. I didn't mean to shout, but I hope that got your attention! You folks don't know what you are missing. Why sit in front of the tube or drive out of the area for entertainment when you can go to the Wagon Wheel Theatre and see great talent and entertainment all summer long? The summer season has just ended with one of the best productions, in my humble opinion, to date. Sure, "Nunsense" and "Forever Plaid" were top notch, but "Always ... Patsy Cline" was without a doubt one of the Wagon Wheel Theatre's best productions. Kelli Cramer, by the second song she sang, had me convinced that she was Patsy Cline. I could have listen to her sing Patsy Cline songs the rest of the evening. Kelli Cramer now has a No. 1 fan. Carrie McNulty as Louise, Patsy Cline's friend, was sensational! I have always enjoyed Carrie in other shows that she has preformed at the Wagon Wheel Theatre, but none were as entertaining as her portrayal as Louise. She could be the next Carol Burnett! This lady can do it all. Her performance in "Nunsense" (Mother Superior) was one of the reasons I became a season ticket holder.
My hat is off to Roy Hine for his stupendous set designs. He has me guessing every show on how he can do everything in the round. Hey, folks, he sank the Titanic on stage! Now that's a feat!
What can I say about Becky Menzie that hasn't already been said? Becky Menzie can play piano! She's great! Watch for a local area lady, Marie Weller, to do big things. Great seats are now selling at the ticket office for next year's productions and they have some great shows lined up! So, get up out of the recliner and tell them Jim sent you to get your tickets and remember, "You are never more than 10 rows from center stage." You can't get that good of seating or pricing in the big city! I'll look forward to seeing you next year at WWT.
