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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2008

Playing Blame Game
Regarding "Drivers Cited For Crashes On I-4 Westbound" (front page, Jan. 12):

The first thing that comes to mind in hearing something named a "tragedy" is not blame. I think that the state and law enforcement have overlooked the true perpetrators, if they are to be named at all.

Driving on an interstate with maximum speeds of around 70 to 80, there is great potential for a crash of this nature, especially when an unexpected haze of smoke comes into play.

Now who caused the fire that caused the smoke that resulted in a 70-car catastrophe?

If the law would like to play the blame game, I believe that they should ask the familiar question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

SARAH E. TORRENS

Tampa

Overhaul FHP Policies

It is possible that some drivers that horrific morning may not have been "driving safely under the conditions at the time," but at least one of these cited drivers was involved in an accident a full hour after the first collision.

It seems to me that upon witnessing the dense smoke and fog and the chaotic conditions after the early collisions, the Florida Highway Patrol should have immediately closed both east- and westbound traffic.

Perhaps if that had been done, there would not have been the "eight minor accidents" that occurred long after the initial collisions. FHP needs to examine and perhaps redefine its policies and procedures.

SUE BOE

Odessa

Common Sense Lacking

I couldn't help but be amazed reading the two articles "Too Few Troopers For Safety" and "Drivers Cited For Crashes On I-4 Westbound" (front page, Jan.12).

Wilfredo Reveron, injured, risks his life to help FHP and then he is given a ticket? I assumed this was just poor judgment by the trooper until I read Larry Coggins' moronic statements. It must be an official policy to not use your brains at FHP.

In response to the citations given out he said, "Thousands of other vehicle drivers were careful enough to get away" without having an accident. So if I drive through fog at 80 mph and, by chance, don't hit anyone, I'm a "careful driver," but if I'm stopped or going slowly and, by chance I'm hit, I deserve a citation?

How about this: It was a freak event and unless there was specific evidence or witnesses to someone driving recklessly, then no one should be given a ticket.

You shouldn't be judged just by the effects of random chance. Maybe FHP should review "innocent until proven guilty."

If we do get to hire more FHP troopers, can we try an intelligence test first?

RANDY PARKER

Plant City

Outraged By Ticket

I was appalled to read that Wilfredo Reveron was issued a ticket for reckless driving while assisting a state trooper in the I-4 incident. The trooper said he was just doing his job. If he was doing his job, this accident would never have happened.

Maybe Florida should look at eliminating the Highway Patrol and putting the money into local and county law enforcement.

GAREY FOLTS

Zephyrhills

Predictable Reactions

Regarding all the discussion and speculation about the cause of the multi-vehicle crash on I-4:

There is little proof that the smoke from the fires was the culprit. All television station weather departments reported that the wind was blowing from the southeast to the northwest, which would carry the smoke away from the interstate. I'm sure the smoke molecules in the air helped the fog to form heavier and quicker.

I have driven that part of I-4 for years and I've seen heavier fog and rain in that area than I've ever experienced elsewhere. And it can come on in an instant!

Something else that I have observed in my years of driving is when people drive into a blinding fog or rainstorm, the first thing they do is slam on the brakes. And it would amaze you how many of these same people will come to a complete stop in the traffic lane!

Guess who can't see them sitting there when they also run into the blinding fog or rain?

Common sense was the biggest factor in this tragedy. Sure, the fog played a big part, but a lack of common sense played an even bigger role.

R.O. McCORKLE

Brandon

So Quick To Sue

I cannot believe less than three days after the horrific accidents on I-4 that there are already people holding press conferences stating that they will be suing anyone they can find negligent. Nice.

First of all, what part of the word "accident" is unclear? I'm not saying that some people weren't at fault, but it will probably be hard to find out whom beyond a reasonable doubt.

Second, they want to blame the state for the smoke from the fire that was started. But it was mostly fog! And so what if it was smoke? Can't see is can't see.

Third, they claim "they weren't warned." I don't need some DOT worker to put a sign on the side of the road stating "fog/smoke." What part of slow down or stop when you can't see past the hood of your vehicle is so confusing?

CHARLOTTE LANIER

Clearwater

Enough Of These Two

Regarding "Lafave Spared Prison Time" and "Judge Scolds Sierra About Talking To Media" (Metro, Jan. 11):

Enough is enough! I think that the amount of space given to Debra Lafave and Jessica Sierra is excessive. Different set of circumstances for each, but neither of them seem to me to be worthy of daily updates.

Please let Sierra fade off into oblivion. We really don't need these women as role models simply because of their frequent "photo ops."

NANCY HEILMAN

Tampa

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