Switch to the mobile version of this page.

Arkansas Times

February 08, 2012 Columns » Editorials

Stop the carnage

Motor vehicles are useful tools when they're delivering smallpox serum to isolated rural hospitals, or rushing careless bridegrooms to the church before the ceremony is canceled. They are less beneficial when they're crashing into pedestrians and bicyclists.

A Metroplan study of traffic accidents involving walkers and pedalers in Central Arkansas has identified the most dangerous intersections and roadways. Many of these are in downtown Little Rock, which means they're near the Arkansas Times offices. Times staffers have grown familiar with the sounds of squealing brakes, violent impacts, sirens, groans, and bitter commentary from downtowners who've seen it all before. "Why don't they put cameras at these intersections?" a witness will cry. "They do that in other cities, and the cameras discourage the red-light runners who cause accidents!"

"Little Rock city officials considered cameras," an informed citizen will respond, "but a state law was passed prohibiting cameras! It was sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, who's from a South Arkansas town so small it doesn't even have stoplights! The anti-cyclist, anti-pedestrian lobby owns the Arkansas legislature!" ("In partnership with the National Rifle Association!")

Overwrought? Perhaps so, with all those exclamation points. But a change of heart by the legislature is surely needed. Concerned citizens should contact their legislators, and advise them that even the lives of people who don't drive expensive, legislator-like vehicles are worth saving. Make sure they understand.

        
Tweet
Share

Tags: Editorials, Sen. Jimmy Jeffress

« Pious con artists | Booing Boozman »

more Columns »

Editorials archives »

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this thread:

By Email

With RSS

Latest in Editorials

Listen, UA

Any public-university trustees considering merger of their tax-supported teaching hospital with a Catholic hospital should ponder these wise words from Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
- May 16, 2013
Semi-tough

The 2013 legislature was protective of gun-carriers and red-light runners, but it came down hard on voters. The first two groups might kill a few people, (or a lot). The third might remove from office a few Republican legislators. This was seen as the greater danger by Republican legislators. Their priorities are different from normal people's.
- May 9, 2013
Which one?

The city of Beebe or Mike Beebe? It's not an easy question. They're both from White County, both have their merits, and their advocates. The town has gained fame for its dead birds; the man as a competent and moderate governor, perhaps the last of his kind.
- May 2, 2013
More »