Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Current Warnings


McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (near the Pulaski Bridge) has become a prime target area for speeding tickets, in both directions. The speed limit is 30. There are undercover vehicles checking you upon approach to and descent from the bridge. It's easy to go 50 or over since it looks and feels like a highway. Don't be fooled.

In another part of town (Harlem), traveling south along Broadway, approaching 125th Street, there is often a vigilant cop car parked on the left, under the overhead train. Not sure what they're looking for, but this downhill stretch offers an easy opportunity to go way over the speed limit.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Hypocrisy on West 23rd Street


No other vehicle in the city do I see more commonly missing a functional headlight (and sometimes tail lights) than their patrol cars. This cab was stopped in Chelsea for having a tail light out. I understand it's dangerous not to replace it immediately and I also understand that the ticket is dismissible upon completion of such a task.

However, like them, we are professionals serving the city's streets under high pressure. Least they could do is show some brotherhood by pulling up next to us and politely informing us of the situation, instead of turning on their intimidating lights, sirens, ground-shaking whoop horn, and wasting our time with a summons.

What we have to do as taxi drivers is to show each other some unity by informing each other of nonfunctional headlights and brake lights. Just lightly tap the horn to get your comrade's attention. That's all. Let's show some concern for each other out there, and maybe even other motorists. I always tell anyone and everyone when their light(s) are out.