Thursday, April 2, 2009

I wasn't going to say anything, but...



While driving to my brother's house near Chicago last weekend, we were exiting off the highway, and Ben rolled through a stop sign. I normally wouldn't have said anything, but I HATE the thought of getting in trouble, and there was a huge sign that said "Camera Enforced" red light or something like that. So, all of my legalism and tightwad-ishness (tickets aren't cheap) bubbled over into a shrieking nag at Ben to "STOP! We're going to get a ticket! Look at the freaking sign! Stop!"

Ben rolled his eyes and pointed out another sign that said you could turn right on red.

I didn't see the sign, but because I am quick to own my spastic faults, I profusely apologized for missing what he had seen and for being a nag, because believe it or not, I haven't badgered him about his driving since 2001, when I successfully harassed him into letting go of his road rage before he killed me.

As it turns out....

Ben brought the mail in today, and what did he have in his hand but a $100 citation from the state of Illinois for the exact incident I have so eloquently described.

Which of my Chicago-area readers wants to drive out to the exit onto Algonquin Road and verify who's right here about the signs? Bring your camera because Ben wants to contest the ticket.

8 comments:

Scott said...

Just 'cause you can turn right on red doesn't mean you don't have to stop first. It's like you never read the Illinois Rules of the Road.

Stef said...

Bummer! I will check it out next time I am down that way. Those camera things are all over the place around here. It is so annoying.

Christina Marie said...

This is tough because it's nice to be right, but not so nice when it involves a $100 ticket that comes out of your money as well...

Kirsten said...

The same thing happened to me. Not much you can do when they have photographic evidence. :-)

Mark Beebe said...

If this is the exit I think it is, there are two right hand turn lanes. The one furthest to the right you can turn on red in, but not the other one. However, Scott is correct, you still have to stop first.It's just like a stop sign.

Susie said...

Just to be clear, I understand the rules of the road. Ben is the one that thought he was allowed to drive through. I was the one shrieking at him to stop :)

Suzanne said...

Hi Susie! I've been enjoying your blog...you crack me up. I happened to be in that area today and Erik had the camera, so we got some video of the intersection for you. Let me know where to send it if you'd like it. :D

Susie said...

Suzanne, that's hilarious! You can send it to monikerart at gmail dot com.

Thanks :)