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Green Day at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island

On Tuesday, April 19 Tampa Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks -Busch Gardens and Adventure Island- hosted a Green Day event for employees and their children.  The Gwazi pavilion at Busch Gardens held a wide array of displays from local organizations about environmental safety. Curious flamingos watched passers-by and a baby alligator eyed everything and everyone with interest.  Both adults and children were intrigued to discover many ways a single person can reduce pollution, remain healthy and preserve the environment.  

The New North Transportation Alliance (NNTA) set up a successful display about commuter options.  Although people often think no one lives close enough to them to carpool or vanpool, once they register in the regional rideshare database they are usually amazed to find how many matches they have.

In addition to registering potential carpoolers in the database, the Green Day event gave NNTA staff an opportunity to provide information on other options such as cycling and riding the bus.

Putting the Brakes...
on Red-Light Violators

Over 40 years ago motorists did not dare run a red light for fear of being hit. At that time the red traffic signal immediately triggered a green traffic signal for opposing traffic. Collisions were far too great; thus the “all red” traffic signal was developed, meaning all lights are at red for approximately two seconds before the next green-light appears. This allows time for drivers who continued through the yellow light to clear the intersection. Initially this was a success; however drivers quickly found how to abuse the system. Now red-light runners zip through the two-second buffer and are the causing an increasing number of accidents at intersections.   

If you are guilty of speeding through a changing yellow or red light, ask yourself this:  Can you confidently guarantee you will clear that intersection in two seconds? Unbeknownst to most red-light runners, the awareness and courtesy of other drivers prevents many accidents. Other times, red-light violators are not so lucky. To try to reduce crashes due to red-light running, police officers have stepped up efforts to ticket violators.  This past month police officers wrote 148 citations to red-light runners within 8 hours at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Fletcher Avenue in Tampa. 

The red-light cameras are placed atop a pole at an intersection and typically take two pictures. One is of the vehicle before it enters the intersection once the light has turned red. The second photo is of the vehicle in the intersection while the light is red. The ticket and photo are then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. 

Do they work?  At least twelve other states and Washington D.C. can attest to the success of red-light cameras. California, for example, dropped red-light running by 10% statewide. Red-light camera photos make the violation easier to prosecute.  Often times the knowledge of such a device deters drivers from running red-lights.  Despite many proven successes, red-light cameras face opposition.

AAA published Green Light for Reform of Red Light regarding the main concerns of red-light cameras: Opponents say the cameras violate due process and privacy rights of the motoring public and can be used to generate revenue for the businesses that sell and operate the equipment and local governments in the name of traffic safety.

Greg Mauz of the National Motorists Association was cited in the Herald Tribune stating, “Most violators unintentionally run red-lights because the yellow signals aren't properly timed. On Florida highways, the yellow signal is often just four seconds…most intersections should have five or six-second yellows” 

According to Traffic Operations at FDOT, the yellow-light phase is calculated based on speed and geometry.  Arbitrarily increasing the length of a yellow-light will diminish the caution exercised when a yellow light appears. Ultimately, extended yellow-lights give drivers confidence to whip through intersections, creating more red-light runners.

Melissa Wandall, widow of red-light running victim Mark Wandall is giving every effort to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act which would enable a judge to revoke a license up to five years if a person has three red-light citations or 15 moving violations in three years. Red-light cameras would provide strong evidence. 

      Express Yourself!

Express yourself about the proposed changes to HARTline’s Express routes.  “What changes,” you ask?  Based on public comments, HARTline has created a list of proposed changes to Express bus service. To view the proposed changes, take a survey, propose service to New Tampa and other areas, or provide general input go to:

  www.hartline.org/news/new_service/index.htm

It’s a Gas!
Tips to reduce pains at the pump!

On a recent trip to the gas station I noticed the gentleman across from me chuckling aloud.  He noticed me eyeing him curiously and said, “This has got to be a joke.”  Referring to the rising gas prices, his perception is becoming more and more common.  Who would have guessed in a year’s time gas prices would surge up more than forty cents from the comfortable $1.77 to today’s $2.27?

As you get in your car to go to work or to make that extra trip to Starbucks, you may want to keep in mind these gas-saving tips from AAA:

 - If you own more than one car, use the more fuel-efficient car as much as possible.

 - Combine trips to reduce miles.

- Find one location to run most errands.

- Comparison shop by phone or internet.

- Slow down!  A fast vehicle burns more fuel.

- Avoid quick starts and sudden stops.

- Routine car maintenance ensures fuel efficiency.

- Try Carpool, Vanpool or Transit!

Want to save money & make better use of your time by carpooling or vanpooling-
but don't know anyone to share the commute with?
We may be able to help! Join the regional rideshare database by following the link on the Commuter page of our website, www.newnorthalliance.org,  or by calling 813-974-9799 to speak with a New North Transportation Alliance representative.