Red lights needed for safety, not cash

This letter is in response to a March 13 letter on red light enforcement.

I live in Algonquin, near Randall and County Line roads. It is a very busy area. I have seen cars, trucks, semi-trailers and huge dump trucks blowing light after light. Not just here and there, but practically every day.

I have been keeping up on the village's plans to install cameras for quite some time now. I understand the program will be implemented in Algonquin and working by May. I am happy to hear it.

A woman who blew through a light four years ago hit my son and four of his friends. She survived the accident. Three of the five children were seriously injured, two with lifelong injuries. Thankfully, everyone lived, but the incident was the direct result of an irresponsible driver who did not consider the potential consequences of her split-second choice. She will have to live with that choice forever.

If someone you love was the victim of this type of accident, I believe you would have a completely different view on the subject.

I challenge you to pay attention, watch and see how many people blow the yellow or the red. It is a lot. I cannot understand why this should disturb you so much. If you aren't blowing lights, it will cost you nothing at all.

But eventually people will learn, and as a result we will have safer communities and peace of mind.

Our villages are not looking to take our money, but trying to save lives. My hope is that a camera will be installed at Randall and County Line. It is necessary.

I read the paper every day and it shocks me how many people have been killed or seriously injured at Randall and Route 72. The cameras are needed because people are blowing the lights and endangering the lives of others without a thought. This is why our villages have had to go to these lengths.

I absolutely back red light enforcement a million percent. Maybe it will save the life of someone you love one day.

One more note. My kids cross Randall at Harnish during the school year. The light is much too short and the kids are blowing the light to get to school on time.

The city should strongly consider lengthening the light at that intersection before tragedy strikes, and a camera should be installed before school begins next year.

Wendy McMahan

Algonquin