Going into in the New Year people tend to make some sort of resolutions. So, I would like to share some info that may make you look at the New Year with a different perspective. I'll spare you with some story how this came to be, but to let you enjoy ride and hopefully put a couple smiles on your face.
1) Moonshiners(Drivers/Transporters of Moonshine) of the past used to have a switch for triggering off the brake lights when going around corners. Generally, this was a night practice and if you ever drove close to someone at night you can anticipate what's going on by how they brake. So, as the police were chasing the drivers, being really close, they would hit the switch, shutting off the brake lights and the police would go into the ditch or into the trees.
2) Up until the mid 1950's , licenses were issued to Truck Drivers and Chaffeurs. Why you ask? Well, they were both transporting "goods." Yes, we are known as goods in the traffic world. So, what is traffic? Isn't that what we see every time going to and from work everyday? Yes and No. There is more than one definition of traffic obviously, but when you go to traffic school...How are you affecting traffic, for lets say speeding? Well, the truth of the matter is that "traffic" in this sense means commerce. This goes back to the Truck drivers and Chaffeurs, transporting=traffic. A few years back I received a ticket for going over a double lane, no one was hurt, as I was in the middle of nowhere. After everything was said and done, the police officer said "nice doing business with you." He was on the force for 20 years, I might add. Then I went to "traffic" school.
Just a few years ago the oil companies sued the State of California. Basically, the oil companies trucks were being harrassed and obviously it was starting to affect business. The complaint was "interfering with commerce." They sued and won the $100,000,000 dollar case. It was the biggest RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act in American History. So when you think of traffic sitting on any freeway, just think of the other definition. And please don't take my word for it...do your own homework.
3) In the State of Florida they have had successful speed trap campaigns impersonating anyone from construction workers to Santa and his little helpers. They claim that they save lives. However, what is never discussed is the revenue aspect of it. In the L.A. area, traffic cameras alone produce $1,000,000/year, PER camera. Secondly, Police Officers do get paid for going to court and of course that's double time, if they are not on the job for the day. One way or another they are getting your money. And when you do go to court, it's 95% poor minority groups who just can't afford the ticket. And if you do get a ticket and you decide not to fight it or go to traffic school it will stay on your record for 3 years and that will affect your insurance. There is a difference between Ethics and Justice. Reaping the "benefits" from Justice when what he ot she really needs is Ethics. Then it's done on his determinisn not the "Mans." Conversely, I have nothing against the police. If something goes down that is really ugly, who is the first people you call? After all, these guys can and do take a bullet while being on the job, for you.
4)EDR's Event Data Recorders A.K.A. "black boxes." Black boxes have been used for many years by airlines. When a jet/plane goes down they are able to get info as to what, where and what happened based on the recording in the Black box. What the insurance companies and lobbyists are striving for us to get this implemented in cars too. So, what does this mean? Well some day you're speeding, the EDR, will conveniently transmit the data and within a few days you'll receive a ticket in the mail. Pretty efficient, eh? The insurance companies would save billions! Also something on the backburner, taxing us on mileage. There is talk about it and it's right behind the EDR's. So, be aware of it so if it does build up speed you can do something about it.
5)Did you know Los Angeles had one of the most efficient and largest trolley systems in the world? Up until the late 1950's that was the general mode of transportation. Let's look at the big picture here?? General Motors, Firestone and Standard Oil (currently Chevron) , basically eliminated their creation-NCL (National City Lines). Here you have the Biggest Automobile Manufacturer in the world, Firestone, the biggest Tire manufacturer in the world and the biggest Oil Company-Standard Oil, which I might add "was" owned by the Rockafellers (this is heavily documented). Would it be a safe assumption that they were good business men in their respective fields? So, if that is the case, this had to be a pure business decision. Well, 50 years later, we sell more cars here than anywhere else in the world, worst traffic in world and you definitely can't have the other two without oil and gas...Can you? I hate to say the word conspiracy, but this a little beyond the norm.
There was movie/cartoon loosely based on this "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". Compound this with lack of synchronization of it's traffic lights and we have a constant nightmare, in which Angelenos call their "commute."
In looking upon next year, maybe look at it from a viewpoint that things are not ideal and what you can do to make it a better place for all.
Cheers,
Lawrence Ribeiro
