PLAY IT SAFE WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS YELLOW

Something else many newcomers to Cape Girardeau notice is how motorists here interpret the changing colors of traffic signals. In many instances, it appears that when the light turns yellow too many drivers push down on the accelerator.

As a result, running red lights is one of the top complaints the police department receives from other, more safety-conscious motorists. So the police are going to do something about it. They are cracking down on red-light violations.

In many instances, motorists who are approaching an signaled intersection where the light is yellow assume they can zip through without any consequences. Too often, however, the light turns red just as they enter the intersection, which means cross traffic with a green light must wait for those vehicles to get out of the way.

Too often, the decision to beat a red light results in an accident. The fine in municipal court for running a red light is $71. The cost is higher if an accident is involved.

Police officials say they will be issuing citations to motorists who enter an intersection when the light is red, if there was ample time to stop while the light was yellow. "If you accelerate to try and beat a yellow light, then you have run a red light," said Sgt. J.R. Davis.

And you have put at least $71 on the line.

Take the safe approach. Be cautious at intersections. And prepare to stop when the light turns yellow.