A few months back (ok, maybe it was more than a few months), I was on my way to work when I got stopped at a red light. It was earlier than my usual day, but still not early at about 9:30, however, I was tired! There really wasn't any traffic which left me and about 3 other cars on the road. Sitting at this traffic light, I started to let my mind start to wander. I mean, really? There was nothing to pay attention to! It was just me in the left-hand lane, one car to my right, and one car in the left-hand turn lane. In the corner of my eye, after sitting there for what seemed like 10 minutes, I noticed the light had changed to green, so I went. As soon as I made it to about the middle of the intersection a series of events happened all at the same time, so please, as you read ahead think about all of this as if it were happening to you. There I am starting to accelerate, probably going about 13 mph (yes, I know my exact mph) when I came to realization that I was in fact driving and not dreaming in my bed; the light had in fact changed from red to green, however, it was a green arrow, not for me; and there was a flash of light, meaning I had gotten caught by photo radar. Ew. Yup, I ran a red light AFTER coming to a complete stop.
Fast forward a couple weeks. I get the ticket in the mail, which is complete with the pictures. The pictures don't entirely look like me, but enough that I better not try to say it's not me, so that leaves the option of just paying the ticket or going to court. I opt for court. I mean, the fine was $255!! Maybe the judge would appreciate the fact that I was going in there and telling the truth so he might just lower the fine, or drop it all together (that would be awesome!). I wasn't so lucky. The judge laughed at me along with the state issued prosecutor. That was fun. Then he told me that because it was indeed a hefty fine, I was eligible to apply for payments or community service. Ok, I can handle that. So off I went to apply. Apparently I make too much money for community service (according to the courts) so I have to pay a measly $20 a month until my fine is paid in full. SWEET! Done!
Fast forward a couple more weeks. I get a letter in mail from the MVD stating that I have not completed traffic survival school and will need to register within 15 days of the date of the letter or my license will be suspended. Oh great, especially since I didn't open the letter until about 14 days after the date of the letter! So I hurriedly got online and registered, after a quick phone call to the MVD to let them know I already went to court and took care of the ticket. Apparently, with a red light infraction you are required to attend Traffic Survival School IN ADDITION to paying the fine. That's just dumb, AND highway robbery!! Literally!
Fast forward a couple months. Here it is, the day I've not been wanting to arrive. The day I have to go to traffic school. It was really hard to wake up so early on a Saturday! I don't usually have to be at work until 10, or sometimes as early as 9, so waking up at 6:30 AM was early!! But, I did it. I woke up at 7 AM (I know, a little late) I washed my face and ran out the door by 7:25 since I had to be there by 7:40. I was running a little late, oops! When I arrived the teacher was also running a little late, luckily! So I just stood there in the waiting area with the 50 other people waiting to enter the classroom. Oh my goodness, there was a classy group here. Or should I say "Klassy", you know too much class for a C! We were complete with old, OLD men who were so old you couldn't understand them because they had the old man slur, an OLD woman complete with her oxygen so you could hear her breathe in and out, and a few young bucks scattered amongst the leisure world residents, and me.
After waiting for about 10 minutes, the teacher arrived and started giving us instruction to check in. We were in need of 3 items to be admitted in to the class. The assignment letter from the state, a valid state issued ID, and $60 cash. Lucky for me I had already paid online, I made sure I had my license in my wallet before leaving my house, however, I did not have my letter still. I didn't know I needed to keep that so I through it away when I registered for the class! Uh-oh! I ran out to my car to see if I had my ticket still. There it was in all it's glory, the ticket which hopefully would work. I stood in line again while hoping it would be accepted, because lets face it, I didn't have another day to spare for this ridiculousness. Unfortunately, it didn't work. UGH!!! Not only did I have to reschedule, but they told me I would have to get a copy of said letter from the MVD which would cost me about $3!! It's a piece of paper for goodness sake!! $3???!!!!! So, off I went to go to the MVD before I forget. Upon arriving at this awful place of Motor Vehicles, it appeared to be empty. Sweet! I would get in and out quickly! No such luck. This place is closed on Saturdays! Why must the government be so impossible?! I mean, the entire City of Mesa offices and courts are closed Friday-Sunday, and now this place is closed on Saturdays?! DUMB!!
So now, not only do I have to go to traffic school next Sunday, but I have to find time to go to the MVD to pay them $3 for a piece of paper that has my assignment printed on it. Lesson learned here: DON'T RUN RED LIGHTS!!!!!
