There is a corridor of Western New York that apparently clings to a tradition of speed traps. Preying on unwitting travelers is an odd choice to build a reputation, especially in an area so obviously in need of revenue, but it is a reliable, albeit short-term, source of funds. Henry Ford discovered that in 1922; I was stingingly introduced to the custom last September.
John, my husband and Savor New York partner, and I had spent a beautiful morning walking miles of Wyoming County’s Letchworth State Park , enjoying the gorge, the Genesee River, the scenery and history. We were also atoning for the wings and local brews we heartily consumed the previous evening at the one and only Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY.
As we journeyed the back roads, en route to Le Roy, NY and the Jell-O Museum, we discussed a return visit to the park in the vibrant fall days to come. It was early September and still abundantly green; we agreed that the October palette must be breathtaking. About this time the colors suddenly flashing in the rearview mirror weren’t so much breathtaking as stomach-sickening.
John is one of those drivers who irritate the Aggressive Lead Foots (ALFs; of whom there are far too many) on New York’s secondary roads. We both believe that speed limits are there for good reason, that hazardous conditions call for caution, and that drivers should always be aware of children and animals. Between us we have accumulated nearly three-quarters of a century of driving, totaled literally a million miles, and a significant percentage of those on secondary roads. We both have exemplary driving records.
When the Barney Fife-inspired officer asked, “Are you in a hurry in the Village of Perry?” my thought was, “Village? What village? All I see is corn.” Unless the villagers live in the cornfields, a la the baseball ghosts in Field of Dreams, not only was this not a residential area, it looked like any other stretch of New York country road where the limit is usually 45 or 55 miles per hour. Without frequent speed limit signs posted, motorists are left to their best judgment. Our speed was 49mph.
Maybe Ol’ Barn didn’t like our Prius hybrid, or maybe he didn’t like the Obama sticker on its bumper. Maybe he needed to fill a quota, or perhaps he entertains an exaggerated sense of duty. Whatever the origin, I’ve toured enough NY dairy farms and horse barns to recognize the true nature of this citation. We meekly accepted the ticket, because experience has taught us not to debate any issue when your opponent wears a sidearm, even if his only bullet is in his shirt pocket.
Just an observation, Officer; beneath the snappy creases of your uniform, you appear to be getting a little soft. That’s never a healthy trend for a man of your young years. You might consider some aerobic activity to offset the sedentary hours spent lying in wait for unsuspecting tourists. I say this with genuine concern. Wyoming County clearly needs such a dedicated piece of manpower.
Arriving at the Jell-O museum, 30 miles up NYS Route 245 from Perry, a helpful young woman suggested that, while waiting for a Girl Scout troop to complete its tour of “The Dainty Dessert,” we visit the small but interesting transportation museum in the basement. Amongst the antique carriages and artifacts of Le Roy’s past, is a photo of a sign warning motorists of a speed trap in Le Roy. Apparently, there is ample precedent for pouncing on innocent visitors along this stretch of NY roadway. Henry Ford’s chauffeur was stopped for speeding and, like us, paid the ticket. Believing it unjustified, Mr. Ford then dedicated his efforts to warning others about the trap. Mr. Ford did it with signs erected outside the village. We do it here on these pages.
Embracing a time-honored tradition should be encouraged, if it is the right kind of tradition. Carrying on nearly a century of speed traps does nothing to enhance Western New York. In fact, it’s shameful.
So, Village of Perry, enjoy our hard-earned $185 and spend it wisely, for it is the last subsidy you will see from this quarter. True, we won’t return to Wyoming County’s lovely state park, stay overnight in local lodging, dine in area restaurants, or trade in any of Wyoming County’s shops, but you hardly made us feel welcomed, now did you? When we hanker to wander beautiful gorges, Ithaca fills the bill effortlessly, with stunning water and plentiful vineyards to boot. As to missing Wyoming County’s only other famous landmark, I suppose, somehow, we’ll just have to make life complete without a tour of Attica Prison.
I’ve linked to this post on my blog as I have readers who live in your area. Thought I would share this information with them!
I never considered that speed traps would drive away less punitive ways of generating income. You make a good case using cost/benefit analysis. The village fathers need to ponder your points.
Laura sent me! I am her blog friend and your fellow NY state person.
This is such a sad tale- and a common one. I had a similar experience, although on the NYState Thruway earlier this year. I was given a speeding ticket by a trooper and had to go to court in the lovely town of Canaan NY. Long story short, the judge dismissed my case,no fine.
Your post evoked memories of Letchworth, Le Roy and other places I have not seen in a long time. You will find me to the east in southern Saratoga County NY!
And that photo - priceless.