Hello, everyone.
Occupation: College Student/Internship
Location: California
Age: 24
I got cited for "Failing to Obey Traffic Guard" (2815 VC). Heres what happed from my perspective, I was on my way to pick up 2 of my younger siblings, one from high school (17 years old) and the other from College (19 years old). On the way I was driving on a main street 35mph (school zone 25mph) and from a fair/reasonable distance (half a block away) I see an SUV waiting to turn left (the driver in the SUV was signaling) at a school zone intersection (no left turn lanes at this intersection). Here’s whats going through my head, as I see this SUV signaling to turn left, my natural assumption would be to assume that its going to turn left (wait until the on-comming traffic clears and then turn). I am however, at this time half a block away and in the same lane as the SUV far ahead of me, so I switch lanes while driving between 30-35mph (because I don't/shouldn't have to wait behind the SUV until the driver decides to turn). As I approach and pass the SUV THEN I notice the Crossing/Traffic Guard directly (hidden) IN-FRONT of the SUV. While this is happening, just as I see/notice the Traffic Guard, on the opposite side of the road I see a CHP & yielding traffic. My reaction as I see the CHP & Traffic guard in my peripheral view, "Oh BLANK BLANK, I know im gonna get busted for not seeing the Traffic Guard...". I actually pulled over before they turned the siren on. There were 2 officers, one approached the drivers side and accused me of going 45mph and said "I'd bet you if you weren't going that fast you would have seen the traffic guard" my response: “I would have seen the traffic guard if he/she wasn’t hidden behind the SUV…” and the second officer who was writing the ticket I asked him "How did you guys determine I was going 45mph", Officer#2's response: "It was just an estimation...and didn’t you see the flashing lights?". I also am forgetting to mention that the Flashing Lights that they have on during school hours was not operating. I actually went back immediately after receiving the ticket to inspect the Flashing Lights - they were not working. I approached the Traffic Guard and asked if the Flashing Lights work according to her they were not working "they work sometimes...".
My question is: Am i still guilty...? Would it foolish of me to contest this in court?
I would greatly appreciate any advice on this matter. Please point out anything that I might have done out of ignorance.
(p.s sorry for such a lengthy recollection… )
- opaque01
Occupation: College Student/Internship
Location: California
Age: 24
I got cited for "Failing to Obey Traffic Guard" (2815 VC). Heres what happed from my perspective, I was on my way to pick up 2 of my younger siblings, one from high school (17 years old) and the other from College (19 years old). On the way I was driving on a main street 35mph (school zone 25mph) and from a fair/reasonable distance (half a block away) I see an SUV waiting to turn left (the driver in the SUV was signaling) at a school zone intersection (no left turn lanes at this intersection). Here’s whats going through my head, as I see this SUV signaling to turn left, my natural assumption would be to assume that its going to turn left (wait until the on-comming traffic clears and then turn). I am however, at this time half a block away and in the same lane as the SUV far ahead of me, so I switch lanes while driving between 30-35mph (because I don't/shouldn't have to wait behind the SUV until the driver decides to turn). As I approach and pass the SUV THEN I notice the Crossing/Traffic Guard directly (hidden) IN-FRONT of the SUV. While this is happening, just as I see/notice the Traffic Guard, on the opposite side of the road I see a CHP & yielding traffic. My reaction as I see the CHP & Traffic guard in my peripheral view, "Oh BLANK BLANK, I know im gonna get busted for not seeing the Traffic Guard...". I actually pulled over before they turned the siren on. There were 2 officers, one approached the drivers side and accused me of going 45mph and said "I'd bet you if you weren't going that fast you would have seen the traffic guard" my response: “I would have seen the traffic guard if he/she wasn’t hidden behind the SUV…” and the second officer who was writing the ticket I asked him "How did you guys determine I was going 45mph", Officer#2's response: "It was just an estimation...and didn’t you see the flashing lights?". I also am forgetting to mention that the Flashing Lights that they have on during school hours was not operating. I actually went back immediately after receiving the ticket to inspect the Flashing Lights - they were not working. I approached the Traffic Guard and asked if the Flashing Lights work according to her they were not working "they work sometimes...".
My question is: Am i still guilty...? Would it foolish of me to contest this in court?
I would greatly appreciate any advice on this matter. Please point out anything that I might have done out of ignorance.
(p.s sorry for such a lengthy recollection… )
- opaque01