NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING STATE LAW

Although Texas does not have a hands-free state law regarding cell phone use as do most other states, they do have a no texting while driving state law. And there are many hands-free city ordinances within the lone star state. Not every city, although, and certainly not in my city of Dallas with a population of over 1.35 million! And, since I teach defensive driving, one would think that I would see those texting moving violations in my classes. But I only see those for texting in a school zone when the light is activated. So, apparently, they’re not actually enforcing our state law. I hear that they are enforcing the city ordinances, although, and they come with high fines.

OTHER USES FOR THOSE CAMERAS

There are many other uses for those cameras and ways to re-purpose them. They can be used to compile data in intersections where there are more accidents. And they can be used to monitor crime by having more cameras present for better angles. I read that Australia, after a successful trial, has added mobile detection cameras that use artificial intelligence to determine if a driver has something in their hand. This footage is reviewed (as were our camera light ones) by a human who determines if a fine should be issued. These photos may also expose other things, such as the presence of guns, drugs, etc.

In closing, there is no doubt that in my state drinking and driving has affected everyone at some level. Everyone knows someone who has had a family member who has been killed by a drunk driver. But, if we don’t get a grip on it, this will be true with a texting driver.

Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

TURNING CAMERA LIGHTS AROUND TO CATCH TEXTERS – Comedy Defensive Driving

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The Good and Evil of Camera Lights

I say good riddance to camera light tickets! As my niece would say, they have just yee’d their last haw! I had received two tickets for blowing through a solid yellow light. Of course, solid yellow sounds much better than a red light. Most drivers have gotten camera light tickets for a rolling stop (while taking a right on red or at a stop sign). Now, I’m not just off my meds when I say that some traffic lights are just way too short. And one certainly should never slam on the brakes at a yellow light for fear of being rear-ended by other drivers who are planning on making that light as well. Plus, foregoing a $75 fine by beating the light is pure satisfaction.

Some drivers believe that the camera lights prevent accidents. But, I would vouch for those other drivers that would agree that most of us goose it to get through a solid yellow light before it turns red and, of course, that factors into high-impact crashes in intersections.  So, adios camera lights! That’s the last mug shot you are getting of me! (Or, a mug shot of someone else driving my stupid car).

So What Can We Expect Now?

So, this is how it’s going to play out. This new law will actually take effect on September 1^st. This will allow communities more time to complete any contracts they have with companies that install and monitor their camera lights. Some cities will stop processing violations immediately, while others will still expect to receive revenue from violations already issued. These communities have the option to terminate their contracts immediately, but some may still have to pay early termination fees. So it may in their best interest to keep their camera lights activated to receive revenue to pay these fees.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

RED LIGHT CAMERAS ARE BANNED IN TEXAS – Comedy Defensive Driving

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All that I know for certain about a camera light ticket is that it is a civil offense. Like a parking ticket, it will not go on your driving record. I have heard rumors that it will put a kibosh (that’s my favorite word for 2014) on your ability to renew your driver license if you don’t pay it. Of course, that can’t be true since it has nothing to due with your driver license. The fine is issued through your license plate number, which is your automobile registration. So, it is true that it will put a kibosh (there’s that word again) on your ability to get your annual registration renewed. Also, if you don’t pay the fine, it will go on your credit report, like not paying a bill. I do believe that much is true as I have two friends that work for a credit reporting bureau and they have said that they see camera light tickets on people’s credit reports quite often.

So, here’s the kicker…I’ve had several people in my comedy defensive driving class that have told me their insurance agent phoned them to let them know that their insurance rates have gone up because of their camera light ticket. I’m sure that insurance agencies keep tabs on their customer’s driving record to adjust insurance rates, but hadn’t even considered that agencies are also pulling credit reports as well. It was really baffling me…how do they know? So, that must be it. People aren’t paying their camera light tickets (both those they get at intersections where camera lights are present, i.e. photo enforced, and the camera tickets that are issued when passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing, i.e overtaking a school bus). In Texas, by the way, the fine for a camera light ticket is $75. And, if you don’t pay it, the late fee is $25. The fine for overtaking a school bus is $325. Which is much less expensive than the fine from someone in law enforcement (i.e. Johnny Law), which, as of September 1, in Texas, is a whopping $1,250.

So, if you get a camera light ticket or a school bus camera ticket, either pay the ticket or dispute it if you feel it is unjust. Don’t blow it off and let it go on your credit report. Just a little money saving tip from me to you for the new year.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist / Idea Mogul

Don’t Forget To Stop For A Camera Light – Comedy Defensive Driving

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