Wichita Man Fined for Holiday Lights on Truck
Associated Press - Wed 03:48 AM 12/12/2012
A Wichita man who decorated his extended-cab pickup truck with nearly 900 Christmas lights has drawn plenty of attention, including the unwelcomed kind.
A Wichita man who decorated his extended-cab pickup truck with nearly 900 Christmas lights has drawn plenty of attention, including the unwelcomed kind.
David Hill hit the streets two weeks ago, hoping to spread holiday cheer.
But he also drew the notice of police, who stopped the truck and handed Hill a $274 citation as a safety hazard.
Wichita police Lt. Joe Schroeder says it's a safety issue. Schroeder says drivers distracted by the glowing pickup could get involved in accidents.
he lights are strung on roughly 1,000 feet of wiring and run by a generator in the truck's bed.
Hill's not too discouraged. He's hoping word of his traffic ticket will call attention to a group he's involved with called OneSpark, which helps people in need.
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shelster
Wednesday 12 December 2012 08:01 Report this comment
This ticket is totally uncalled for. There are many more real crimes to be taken care of. The trooper on the news just sounded really arrogant and just wanted to ruin someones day. Where is the Christmas spirit? Unbelievable!!
Iamgonnagetyou
Wednesday 12 December 2012 08:18 Report this comment
It seems law enforcement is becoming more rude everyday. Especially thea Kansas Highway Patrol. People that are treated rudely need to file complaints against these troopers which will stay on their records and when they receive to many hopefully they will be terminated.
Iamgonnagetyou
Wednesday 12 December 2012 08:21 Report this comment
I hope the guy fights this as there are no laws saying one cannot do this. The only law on the books concerns using red lights. This is no more distracting then the use on neon tube lights under the auto's.
tgsalina
Wednesday 12 December 2012 09:13 Report this comment
. . . . but how would you feel if a driver was distracted by these lights, ran into, and killed a member of your family? We've got to have some common-sense rules and yes, I agree that the neon under-car lights are just as bad.
amywho
Wednesday 12 December 2012 09:38 Report this comment
how messed up is that...They won't put up traffic lights at a busy intersection or railroad crossing lights up until a certain number of people die. But if an individual's car is considered distracting, whether or not they've actually caused any accidents, gets a ticket.
ksfarmdude
Wednesday 12 December 2012 18:13 Report this comment
looks like another way for the cops down there to throw their weight around by drumming up a bogus ticket Not like he'll drive it all year long like that maybe a few weeks and its done
Iamgonnagetyou
Wednesday 12 December 2012 22:05 Report this comment
Tgsalina I have more concerns with people on their cell phones talking or texting. A truck with a bunch of lights on it is not dangerous. A accident can happen with people driving around looking at lights on a house or city decorations.