— Gail from Port Arthur asks: I also have been enlightened by your column and appreciate the work you (as well as all of the PAPD) do to make the city streets safer. My greatest safety concern is while heading south on Ninth Ave we have to make a u-turn at Lake Arthur to get into our develpment. To me that is not safe intersection, not only for traffic on Ninth Ave, but also from the traffic from Lake Arthur Dr. It would be so nice to have a traffic light there. Meanwhile, I appreciate Ninth Ave being patrolled so well. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

Answer: Thanks Gail, we will continue to be proactive ensuring Port Arthur is a safe place to travel. Ninth Avenue is one of the most compliant roads in the city of Port Arthur. Compared to 5 years ago when it was probably the most non-compliant roads. Ninth Ave used to be a speed strip, but hopefully as a result of constant enforcement by the PAPD those days are gone and never to return. By saying compliant I declare considerately more motorist are obeying the traffic laws on Ninth Ave than those who are not. Gail as you know Ninth Ave is a heavily traveled road and we urge all drivers to enter traffic as safe as possible, whether from a stop sign or making a legal U-turn. Gail I'm not without understanding because I travel that area all the time and sometimes you just have to be patient and WAIT until its clear(safe) to turn. The traffic light situation is something you could

bring to the attention of your district city councilman.

Dennis from Port Arthur asks: Officer Antoine, First of all let me commend you on the fine job you are doing as a policeman. The City of Port Arthur has a serious problem with drivers who don't obey the traffic laws...ie running stop signs, red lights. Why are there no yield signs for traffic entering the freeway, seems like the person entering the freeway can just barge on in regardless of any traffic in that lane?

Answer: Good question and thank you Dennis, we will continue working hard for citizens of this community. Seems like you needed to vent Dennis, but I will say that you are asking a valid question. When you are on the freeway you have the right of way, the driver entering the freeway from the on ramp is required to yield the right of way whether a yield sign is present or not(if a yield sign is not there state law says you must still yield). I know many motorist have dealt with drivers forcing their way onto the freeway from the feeder, making the driver on the freeway use evasive actions (speeding up/slamming on brakes) to avoid a crash. Please remember if you are not already on the freeway you DO NOT have the right of way! You must wait until its safe/clear for you to merge into traffic even if you have to stop.

Stephen from Nederland asks: First of all, I have really enjoyed your "Ask A Cop" segment with the Port Arthur News. Are the HID headlights (the bright blue looking headlights) legal? I have seen many people with these type of headlights and I have heard conflicting stories whether or not the headlight are legal. Thanks for everything you do! P.S. I think you are a great cop for the city of Port Arthur; Don't worry haters are gonna hate, lol.

Answer: I am Humbled and humored by your comments Stephen, Thank you. This is a very good question and I can understand why you have heard so many different interpertations as to the legality of the HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights in motor vehicles. Now Stephen the Transportation Code of Texas doesn't specifiy what colors you can have as headlights, only what color you CAN'T have which is RED lights on the front of the vehicle, unless you're a police vehicle. As for HID headlights some automakers like BMW, Lexus and Mercedes come standard with HID headlights but they are installed according to federal specifications. I believe the biggest problem comes when motorist run down to an area autoparts store, purchase the HID light system and just plug them in (bright and blinding to other drivers), which will also throw off the beam pattern if the entire headlight housing is not replaced. This should be done by a professional installer. I always go by this rule, if the headlights are not blinding to me and they are not RED then normally I won't stop a vehicle that has installed aftermarket HID headlights. Refer to TRC. 547.3215 and 49CFR part 564.

Tony from Port Arthur asks: If a parking lot is private property,why can you receive a ticket for parking illegally such as in fire lanes,handicap parking spots etc.

Answer: Good question Tony. You are right, police can't enforce all Transportation Code laws on private property. But private property owners must come in compliance with State law requiring them to mark fire lanes and provide disabled parking spaces. Here are violations police can write tickets or arrest for during private property enforcement; DWI, fire lane, handicap parking and reckless driving.

Remember to email me your question at rantoine@portarthurpd.com, or call (409)984-8541 leave a voicemail, mail to Officer Rickey Antoine 645 4th Street Port Arthur, Texas 77640. Or if you happen to see me in publc you can "Ask A Cop.”