“That’s right, my flag is bigger than yours”

I saw this man riding down Peace Street in Raleigh on Saturday morning. Wish I knew his story. Since I don’t, anyone up for writing a caption for this photo? Better yet, if you know why he cruises around town towing these flags, please fill me in.

Slick Roads are Causing Crashes

Things are intense on the assignment desk right now. The scanners are abuzz with word of multiple wrecks around the triangle. Supposedly a several car pile up just occurred somewhere near 540 and I-40, and even more crashes are being reported. It seems most of the crashes are occurring on overpasses, particularly in the Durham area.

I hope if you’re reading this post it finds you safe. And if you must head out this morning, please be extra careful.

Did you see any of these crashes today or experience any close calls?

Don’t Let A Thief Steal Your Car Just Because You’re Cold

With temperatures dipping, the Raleigh Police Department sent out a news release today offering this this common-sense advice:

“With very cold weather coming to the area tonight, the Raleigh Police Department is requesting the media’s assistance in reminding people not to leave unattended vehicles running to warm up. Every year, cars and trucks are stolen when owners start them and then retreat indoors while engines warm.“

Don’t be left out in the cold.

All Aboard. Next Stop: Tax Increases for Transportation

A majority of Triangle residents say they’re willing to pay more taxes or fees if it will help improve traffic congestion. That’s according to poll results released this afternoon by Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling.

Sixty-three percent of surveyed residents say they would support some type of increase (such as sales tax or vehicle registration fees) to either widen roads, improve mass transit or fund other potential solutions. The phone survey of 505 likely voters living in Wake, Durham and Chatham counties also found that 29 percent would not support any fee increases.

This is the same poll that included questions on ACC sports fans and their political affiliations. I had the pleasure of riding on Charlotte’s new light rail, called LYNX, when I was down there last week for computer training. The $4 day pass was well worth leaving my car at a park and ride lot near my hotel and riding downtown. According to the LYNX Web site: “Running at 80% capacity, the line will move twice as many people as one accident-free lane on I-77.”

Just imagine what effect a system like that could have on I-40 and 440! I know the folks at the Triangle Transit Authority have been working with partners to bring a light rail to the area. Maybe someday we’ll all be able to climb aboard.

All I Want for Christmas is Free Parking

The Town of Chapel Hill is giving motorists a small Christmas present: Free Parking — well, sort of. There are, of course, conditions attached to it, such as having to get “parking coupons” from shopkeepers. But it’s worth looking into to save a few bucks. Here’s an idea, instead of spending the cash you save on a latte, why not put it in one of the Salvation Army kettles you’ll no doubt see stationed around local shopping centers this holiday season or to your favorite charity.