Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Not only have you opened a can of worms with this "laggard" issue, but more importantly, you've opened quite a few eyes! Maybe you should start a page dedicated to "rules of the road." One writer from last week, Mr. Trapaga, could be the editor. He quoted many valid points from the Georgia State Driver's Manual, which obviously many people did not even know existed, much less have read.

Two questions I have are, first, when did right turns yield to left turns become a law? If there isn't a yield sign, then the "left turn-ees" must wait for the "right turn-ers." I can understand maybe a little courtesy coming into play and letting one turn in front, but not a whole lane to where the light changes. This has become more the rule than the exception now.

Secondly, when did right on red become roll on red? The law states that one may make a right on red, after a complete stop, then proceed, unless posted otherwise. A prime example of the "roll on red" syndrome can be viewed at the intersection of Ga. highways 138 at 279. Many times people have had to hit the brakes while the light is green because of these ROR drivers.

Although it is on the county line, someone could account for a months' worth of ticket quotas by setting up shop on that corner for just one day. Just have the citations preprinted with, running a red light, and hand them out. You may as well say that stop means "State Tax On Peanuts" or "Skid Tires On Pavement," 'cause I'm rollin' on out!

Keep up the "eye-opening" articles and maybe knowledge and courtesy will come back to driving instead of the "me first" mentality. I know I'm having fun reading the weekly interpretations of the law some of these folks have.

J. Russell

Fayetteville, Ga.