THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 10, 1996 TAG: 9605090161
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THE ROAD WARRIOR
LENGTH: Long : 121 lines
Road's back behind the driver's seat and raring to go.
First, let me address an issue that this column brought up a couple of weeks ago - running red lights.
Road mentioned that two people died - a 9-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman - in different accidents within one week of each other as a result of people disregarding red lights.
After that column appeared, Road got about 15 calls from people who are fed up with folks running red lights. A few callers were upset that Road didn't go into detail about the deaths of the two mentioned above - like who was at fault in each accident.
In response to those callers, Road says, phooey. Assigning blame doesn't bring back the deceased. Fault is only important when it comes to who gets the ticket. In this case both victims' families lost, no matter who ran what light. The fact remains that anyone behind the wheel of a vehicle needs to take heed of yellow and red lights. It's time to start acting like adults out there and not impatient, spoiled brats.
ROAD CLOSING UPDATE: Appomattox Drive at Front Royal Road and Windsor Oaks Boulevard has been closed due to the demolition of Carper Navy Housing.
Once the new housing goes in, the road will be reopened, though there is no set time as to when this will happen.
Windsor Oaks Boulevard, which snakes through the housing complex between Princess Anne Road and South Independence Boulevard, will stay open.
SNARLS OF THE WEEK
The following people called Road's INFOLINE number with their complaints.
Jeff Kidwell, Kempsville.I'm glad you're on the pulpit for getting people to stop running yellow lights.
I've never seen such an atrocious driving habit as I have since I've moved here. While you're beating the pulpit why don't you beat the pulpit for getting people to allow people to merge?
Thanks and have a good day.
RW: Hey, Jeff, only the Big Guy/Gal above has control over us peons down below. If Road could wave a magic wand and get people to read signs, let others merge and follow speed limits I'd be up there alongside the Big Guy/Gal.
It's always worth a word or two in print to remind folks to be cordial and let their fellow drivers merge.
Tony Hyskin, Virginia Beach. Thanks for your slam bang on the red light runners. It's about time.
I suggest something that I do once in a while. I don't know if it helps or not but, sitting at an intersection, when somebody runs a red light, I blow my horn.
I think if we start blowing our horns it might stop. It makes a lot of noise but it can't be any worse than those stupid boom boxes that come blaring at us from these automobiles. So, suggest that to your readers. Thanks, buddy.
RW: Not a bad idea, Tony. Horns do tend to capture attention. It'd be really cool if everyone sitting an intersection would do it. It'd be a heck of a racket but it could be beneficial.
Betty Miller, no address given. I want to tell you that I think we should have some kind of bumper sticker - think of what to say on them - something like ``Warning: I brake for red lights.''
We need some kind of bumper sticker so the people from behind us won't knock us down.
RW: How about, ``Rear-end me and I spend your children's inheritance.''
Actually, Betty, Road likes your idea better.
Bill Whitehurst, no address given. Why, at intersections with pedestrian traffic signals, do we also have a sign telling motorists making right turns to yield to pedestrians? If it is to protect the pedestrian, why don't we teach them to obey the law rather than penalize the motorist? Thank you.
RW: Hmm. Your thinking on this is a bit confusing. Let Road explain why those signs are there. It's not because pedestrians aren't obeying the law, it's because motorists making right turns on red are breaking the law by not stopping to yield to pedestrians first. It's a kindly reminder to motorists that pedestrians have the right of way.
Brian Gorshen, Virginia Beach. I'm calling to ask about those cameras that are up on Route 44 and on I-64. They're up on the sides of the highway. They're either video or radar cameras. I've always wondered what they're for.
RW: Wonder no more, Brian. The cameras are part of the Traffic Management System and they're there to help the transportation folks spot accidents and gridlock among the interstates. In spotting accidents when they happen, the Traffic Management System folks can call out rescue personnel right away. And as far as gridlock, the variable message signs that are also up on the interstates can be updated and used to warn folks of a delay ahead.
Diane, London Bridge. You have a perfect opportunity to review rules of the road in your column, featuring one rule each week or something like that. I think a lot of drivers out there are forgetting some basic things that are in the driver's manual.
Also, is there a Road Warrior in Norfolk? I'm moving soon and I'm going to miss you.
RW: Not a bad idea. In fact, it's a darn good one that Road just may implement.
Gee, Diane, Road's going to miss you, too. Sadly, Norfolk hasn't been blessed with a Road Warrior in eons.
Dave Henley, no address given. There's new fencing alongside the road on GREAT NECK ROAD heading north from VIRGINIA BEACH BOULEVARD and people have already written graffiti on it. I was just wondering if you could somehow let me know if there's a way to get that stopped?
RW: It takes a lot more than police enforcement to get rid of graffiti. Most paint-wielding bandits strike under the cover of darkness and they're extremely hard to catch in the act.
However, the city of Virginia Beach does have a graffiti hotline residents can call to report graffiti. The number is 427-3580. Punch in category 704 and leave your name, phone number and a specific address as to where the graffiti can be found.
Folks with the Code Enforcement office get the message and then ask residents or property owners to sign a release to have the graffiti removed by the city free of charge. The city will remove graffiti from houses, fences or anywhere else there's been a complaint.
If you're not the property owner, but want to report the graffiti anyway, leave your name and number as well as the location, and the city department will get in touch with the property owners to see if they'd like to have the graffiti removed. Or, write: The Road Warrior, Virginia Beach Beacon, 4565 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23462.
Don't forget to include your name, address and neighborhood. MEMO: Tell the Road Warrior about your motoring problems. Get 'em off your
chest. Call on Infoline, at 640-5555. After a brief message, dial ROAD
(7623). When directed, press 1 to deliver your message, and 1 again to
sign off. by CNB