Takin' the Blog for a Walk

Thanks for the warning

Posted by Brien Lee on Aug. 24, 2010

There's a complicated bit of intersection just over the river where E. Moreland, Eales and Whiterock meet. Fracaro's, Citgo and Valvoline occupy three of it's several corners. My very first time driving through it I unknowingly blocked Whiterock by stopping on the striped diagonal lines while waiting for the light to change. I was 15 and on a learner's permit. A guy yelled, "Who taught you to drive? Your mother?" Well, as a matter of fact, my mom did teach me to drive. She was in the passenger seat teaching me at the very moment.

Thirty-five years later Fracaro's is still on the corner, and I'm still passing through the intersection - twice a day on those days when I work. Yesterday afternoon I was stopped by a Waukesha policeman after turning right on East St. Paul from Moreland. I really had no idea why. I was rushing (without speeding) to pick up Sir Fido at the vet before 5:30. I wanted to talk to the doctor before he left for the day. There were complications to his surgery; they had to pull 5 teeth instead of just the one. Also, there's a tumor in his mouth with the possibility of it being cancerous. I had a lot on my mind before, but now I was wondering if he'd have to spend the night at the vet because I failed in getting there on time.

I didn't know why I was pulled over. I wasn't speeding. Seatbelt was on. Came to a complete stop at the Whiterock intersection. I saw the police car in the mirror after I went through, but thought nothing of it.

The policeman told me the red light next to Valvoline I turned right on is actually not a right turn, but a continuation of Moreland. Obviously it must be a no turn on red for him to stop me, as it probably should be; roads come at it from every which way. I'll admit I found it hard to believe though. I didn't recall seeing a no turn on red sign, and feel I'm a fairly responsible driver. He was nice enough to let me off with a verbal warning after checking to see if there were any outstanding warrants. Surprised he didn't ask for proof of insurance, but just glad I made it to the vet with a little time to spare.

Still curious, I parked near the intersection for a few minutes this afternoon to see how many fellow drivers had the same idea to turn right on red and, to their credit, not a single car did it. Of course there was this sign, two of them actually, saying No Turn On Red! Now I just have to control the urge the next time through.

Anyway, thanks for the warning. Had enough bad news for one day.