Traffic Fines to Increase Due to Recession
Posted: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
by Ryan Stroud
I recently read an article stating because our economy was in a recession, we were to expect more traffic tickets and fines. This just makes me what to blow my horn and scream.
First off, I want to say I have family in the police community; in fact, he's even the chief of traffic at his department. I respect what he does for his community and his family tenfold, but it still doesn't change my feelings about all this.
I received a speeding ticket for speeding on the highway. I was at fault and I deserved the ticket. What I honestly didn't deserve was the excessively high price of the fine and the info that it's just going to get worse. My fine was for $425 plus and $30 processing fee. I was shocked. All this for going 65 in a 55? (Thanks Winston-Salem, NC, for the outrageous fine.) I think that's a little much. At the time I received the ticket, I had to ask my grandmother for help paying it. That's really sad.
Now the news about things getting worse, this is crazy. Not only do I have to fear crazy drivers out on the roads but also ticket-happy police officers?
You know that rumor about whether or not traffic officers have quotas? Well, I've asked a few police offers about that and always receive the most mundane answers. "The police are here to catch anyone breaking the laws while traveling," or "I don't know if you could call it a quota, but we are counseled on how many tickets we give." Wow, that sounds like someone trying to cover up the concept of a quota too me. In my opinion, not being able to honestly answer the simple question really raises eyebrows.
In all, my rant might sound like someone whining or complaining about officers. I truly love these guys for what they do, putting their lives on the line everyday to protect the community. I guess what I'm upset about is the "higher-ups" making things harder for both the police and the civilians. Just because our economy stinks doesn't mean you have to as well. Don't punish us, help us.
Ryan Stroud is a military trained journalist who has served in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army. Prior to his military experiences, Stroud grew up playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer. Also, Stroud focused many years of his life playing, touring, and recording/producing local music acts. He has a wonderful wife of 4 years, a 2 year old son and a newborn daughter.
Stroud's biggest writing influences are Jim Butcher, Chuck Palahniuk, Edward Lee, Jack Ketchum, Christopher Moore and Ben Fox.
He currently resides in Huntsville, Al, with the 59th Ordnance Brigade at Redstone Arsenal.
Stroud would also like to take a moment to thank his friends who are currently in battle over in Iraq. God bless all of you.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Ryan, I understand your frustrtion and even your sentiments but here in my township traffic violations have jumped signifcantly. Now don't get me wrong there are plenty who deserve a ticket and then there are some that deserve a warning. However, everywhere you turn they are setting speed traps and pulling people over. Now you don't have to like reality or accept it however, it doesn't change it. Sorry that we have now gotten down to technical but inmy opinion it is all about jobs, bringing in the bacon. The speed limit 45 your doing 48 sorry. Yes and they even raised the fines. Now are we to think there isn't something to this? Now don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with it yes and usury is also legal.That's true. I see where you're coming from.It stinks, no matter what. I guess we all have to be better drivers or pay for it in the end.Thanks for the comment.Yes Ryan a darn shame. Many good people with families who now have to survive as well while those in Congress or Tallahassee give themselves raises. I don't understand how the Police and Fire Unions can support them? Best wishes to you and yours.
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