If our memory does not fail, in previous editorials we have tried on the need to enforce the current traffic regulations and we gave some examples of violations commonly committed by some of our drivers.
As an example we cited how some ignore the meaning of signs at traffic lights that seem to have been studied just to pass the driving test and then conveniently forgotten. This is the case of the No Left signs placed along Essex Street since it became two-way.
Years ago, it became official to turn right with red light, with caution. At the beginning signs were posted indicating it. No longer used, instead, the red circle was replaced with a red arrow. If the arrow points to the left, it is mostly respected, but if the arrow points to the right, most drivers ignore it and turn it to the right very naturally.
The specific case of these traffic lights is located at the northern end of the Joseph W. Casey Bridge, (better known as Central Bridge in Lawrence) at the intersection with Canal and Amesbury Streets. Test it by yourself. If you are at that intersection, look as one after the other, drivers take a right even when the arrow is red. If you stop, respecting the law, and waiting for it to change to green, many behind you will honk. Some will give you the finger!
Other signs that seem to be decorations are the STOP signs. As the name implies, these signs are for stopping and looking. The one who first arrives at the STOP sign has the right of way. These “rights” apply to both single and multiple signals. For some, we would say many drivers in Lawrence seem to have another meaning: If the law says stop, other drivers must stop, so I do not have to stop.
Another breach, which may not be so by the amount practiced, is a U-turn in two-way downtown streets such as Essex and Broadway. To these violations it is important to add the speed with which some drive. A good example is Mount Vernon Street. If you drive by it respecting the 30 mph limit, very often the person behind you who is in a hurry, disrespecting the double yellow line will overtake you and soon will be lost in the distance.
And to further complicate the situation, we should not ignore the oversight of many pedestrians, especially young people, wandering the streets often crossing them while sending text messages on their phones.
In conclusion, we all must obey the law or pay the consequences.
