An Accident Waiting to Happen

Since the construction on the place across the street is about finished, the vehicles traveling along the streets are moving at a quicker pace. And, a green light means you move forward without stopping. I saw three vehicles pass through a red light today, one after the other, including a fire truck. When I walked back to work after lunch, one car slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting broadside into a car that was moving the right of way with the green light. Only one block away is another mess like this. There are 5-6 streets that converge on this intersection, and it's very confusing. I was crossing at the crosswalk at this same intersection last week, and the lady in the car was very upset that another car passed in front of her. When I told her she had the red light, she thought I was nuts. There are two stoplights posted- one close to the cross walk where the car stops, and another one several feet away in the distance. The driver sees the green light in the distance, ignoring the red light right in front of their face. I guess that's why roundabouts are so common here.  I don't remember ever seeing anything as confusing as this! I just forwarded this blog and photo to the Police FYI. There are a lot of children in the neighborhood.

Response received from Police almost immediately after sending:

Your report will be forwarded to the Department of Transportation for action.

Tom WilkinsExecutive Director,
Intelligence Fusion DivisionMetropolitan Police DepartmentWashington, D.C.

The cab has the right of way- but the driver STOPPED at the red light
is looking at the green arrow in the distance
and moves right in to the vehicle passing right in front of him