Topic: Safety

House GOP Review for 03/27/2008

By Tennessee Republicans | March 29, 2008 |

The House GOP Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Republican state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house

DUI package delayed by committee

The Criminal Practice and Procedure Subcommittee considered DUI bills this week, many of which were proposals rolled out by Republicans at the beginning of session as part of a comprehensive package to discourage drunk driving in Tennessee. Although they were pleased that some elements of the package received the committee’s approval, GOP leaders were disappointed as some of the proposals were delayed or effectively killed. Some of these elements may have hope with other sponsors, but the Republicans stressed that each portion of the comprehensive package is crucial to solving the problem and saving lives.

Among the proposals that were granted approval by the subcommittee were versions of the automatic license revocation and use of the ignition interlock devices. «Read the rest of this article»

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Rep Lundberg fights for passage of “Pass the Bottle” proposal

By Tennessee Republicans | March 5, 2008 |

NASHVILLE – Representative Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) will once again appear before a House subcommittee to fight for passage of the “Pass the Bottle” legislation, which would ban open containers in vehicles. Currently, no driver may consume an alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of such while operating a motor vehicle, but passengers may consume alcohol. Lundberg says this policy invites drivers to drink as long as there is a passenger to which they can “pass the bottle.”

Two people will be testifying before the committee on Lundberg’s behalf. Laura Dial, Executive Director of the Tennessee Chapter of MADD, and Lt. David Corman of the Traffic Section of the Metro Nashville-Davidson County Police Department will be on hand to discuss the legislation’s many benefits. «Read the rest of this article»

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Robbers target female shoppers in St. B

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 12, 2007 |

Shoppers in the St. Bethlehem area are being urged to use caution in the wake of a series of attempted robberies involving shoppers returning to their cars.

Detective Michael Patterson is presently investigating three robberies that have occurred in the St. Bethlehem area. All three robbery attempts involved women who were alone at the time of the incidents. The suspect’s car (shown at left) was caught on security camera and released by police.

On Friday, December 7, 2007, in the parking lot of Kohl’s, 2840 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, a female that was at her vehicle was approached by a black male, wearing a thick nylon jacket, with fur around the neck area. This male attempted to enter her vehicle; however, she had her doors locked and drove off. «Read the rest of this article»

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Clarksville, TN considering red light cameras: Things the voters should consider

By Bill Larson | May 11, 2007 |

Clarksville, TN is considering installing red light cameras in its intersections. This is something which should be vehemently opposed by the public! While no doubt they will tout the safety benefits, it is more likely about the money they stand to gain.

Is this really as serious of a problem as they make it out to be, serious enough to warrant the public accepting the intrusion of traffic enforcement cameras into their daily lives? During the last year in the entire city of Clarksville there were 1,470 accidents at intersections throughout the city, there were an additional 1,274 citations issued for either running a red light or stop sign. There are over 85 intersections in Clarksville which have traffic signals.  The entire city averages averages approximately 4 accidents at intersections per day. At Riverside Drive alone, during the last year over 39 million vehicles passed through that intersection. 

Studies have shown that these red-light cameras actually increase, not decrease accidents, and that the accidents caused by people panic breaking to avoid a citations are more serious injury accidents. While most intersection accidents are property damage rather than injury.

Why is Clarksville interested in making the same mistakes? It’s about finding new ways to take your money. They will make protestations that they are doing this for safety, but studies have proven that these cameras increase accidents rather than decrease them.  Indeed when spoken to by telephone City Councilman Geno Grubbs was dismissive of the safety concerns regarding these cameras. So they must have other motivations. «Read the rest of this article»

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