Letter: Speed limits and other traffic laws must be enforced

Thursday, May 13, 2004 | 8:47 a.m.

When I moved to the Las Vegas area from Cleveland in 1996, I quickly learned the importance of being a good defensive driver.

Fortunately, I no longer need to use the expressway system to get back and forth from my home in the southwest part of the city to Las Vegas Boulevard for work. The risks that drivers take on our surface streets, however, is just as serious as the hazards on our freeways. Hardly a day goes by when I don't witness a fellow driver run a red light. It's become somewhat of a game each day as I count the number of drivers who continue to run red lights despite the risks to others.

I've learned to wait till traffic comes to a complete stop at intersections before continuing my drive. I encourage other drivers to do the same.

Unnecessary speed is also a concern. The only difference between Tropicana Avenue between Rainbow Boulevard and Buffalo Drive, and the Ohio Turnpike, is that there are no toll booths on Tropicana. Even though the posted speed limit is 45 mph, keeping to that speed is difficult even in the far right lane. Excessive speed has taken the lives of many of our fellow citizens. Speed limits need to be enforced.

Law enforcement agencies in the Las Vegas area need to take control of our streets and aggressively enforce the laws that govern the motoring public.

FRED SHAHEEN JR.