Advanced green lights for Durham

Dear Editor,

For over a year, I have wanted to send this letter, hoping to reach out to someone who could do something to fix what is happening in our region and cities. Within this last week alone, I have seen four accidents just in Oshawa.

People of Durham Region, it is 2015 – time to wake up.

My question is, why do we not have advanced greens at all traffic lights? Not only at rush hours (and then there are only a few), but always. I grew up in Oshawa and have also lived for short times in two other cities where all traffic lights have advance greens always, all day. There is no rushing red lights, as people living in those areas know that they will get an advance when the light changes.

This must save lives. People here are going not only through caution lights, but I have seen two or three cars run the red light just to get through. I see this all the time. This has to stop.

Our Region is growing, which means more cars. Lifestyles have changed to a faster pace. It is time for Durham Region to save some lives and money by forgetting about putting cameras at intersections and putting the people first.

I am sure the cost of changing lights to advanced greens must be less than the cost of fatalities, injuries and all emergency vehicles being dispatched because of these accidents. I am sure their time could be put to better use.

This letter is not to place blame, but to help fix the problem. If I can save one life by writing this letter, it was worth it. Let’s make a difference now, Durham. Unfortunately, this letter may be too late for some people, but hopefully in time to save lives.

Diane Otte
Oshawa