Accident pics/contesting ticket

[Charlie Smith]

Earlier, nicksimc at plu.edu wrote:
>
> I finally got around to scanning some pictures of my April 2 accident.
> The ticket I received the next day was for "going down a closed road."
> This will be disputed in court at the end of July.  How's that for a right
> to speedy trial?
>
> Here is the fork in the road.  The road to the left was obviously closed
> by the snow berm in front of it, and by the sign 100 ft _behind_ the
> berm telling you it is closed (far left sign).
>
> http://www.plu.edu/~nicksimc/road1.jpg
>
> I went down the road to the right.  This pic is of the sign telling you
> that the road ahead was closed.  It is about 100ft in front of the ice.
>
> http://www.plu.edu/~nicksimc/road2.jpg
>
> I never actually saw the sign because I was too busy braking to avoid the
> obvious hazard.  Unfortunately, I was unable to come to a complete stop
> before I reached the ice, and I began sliding across this:

I think you are guilty as charged.  If you went past a "road closed"
sign (road2.jpg) that's the end of the story.  The fact that you were
going too fast to see it is no excuse.  If you told the officer that
you "never actually saw the sign because I was too busy braking to
avoid the obvious hazard", you are lucky he didn't also cite you for
either "too fast for conditions" or "reckless operation".

> I am looking for a nice way to say "this is BS" in court.  Anyone?

I think you'd better pay the ticket and stay out of court if you can.

I'm a volunteer police officer in Columbus Ohio.  I've seen judges around
here that on hearing a story like yours would add the "reckless operation"
charge themselves and sock you with a healthy fine.  Look up the penalty
for wreckless ops in your city / state.  It may even specify jail time.

    - Charlie


  Charlie Smith   charlie at elektro.cmhnet.org  614-471-1418
  http://www.elektro.com/~charlie      Columbus Ohio   USA
  http://www.elektro.com/~audi     photos & technical info

  95 S6 Quattro  -  24 PSI, RS2 6 speed, and other features
  96 Dodge Ram   -  30 PSI, w/Cummins turbo diesel