On the morning of Jan. 19, I had business in Lynnwood. The drive into town took me south on 44th Avenue West from 176th SW. As I approached Lynnwood Elementary School I noticed the lights for a school zone blinking, which meant the traffic safety camera was working. I saw about 50 vehicles driving in both directions going very slowly, obeying the law. I thought about how in most cases the only reason for that was the camera and, of course, the ultimate fine.
As I approached the school, I also noticed a very large group of happy children, oblivious to the cars just a few feet way. Then I though about how much damage one of our cars could cause any one of those wonderful children. I also realized that these young people have no concept of the danger around them. They laugh (not enough of that around), they play and get excited about seeing their friends. They do not think about traffic.
Then I thought about the drivers and citizens who complain about these cameras, the ones that take their right to break the law away. I thought for just a moment about what was most important: keeping those kids happy and safe or allowing the rights of speeders and people on their phones or otherwise not paying attention to hurt those kids. It only took me a second to realize that as much as I, too, hate having to slow down, it is the right thing to do. The kids are what’s most important. I wish Edmonds had some of those cameras.
So the next time you see the light blinking remember, if you slow down you won’t get a ticket and you won’t kill a kid.
Mike Reagan
Edmonds
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