Red Light - Fail To Stop Hta 144(18)
I was given a ticket for failure to stop at a red light at 12:30 am. This was when it was slightly warmer, but as far as the weather was concerned, it was barely drizzling rain (it was almost a mist, but enough for me to be using my windshield wipers), and this resulted in a thin layer of moisture on the road.
The intersection that I was approaching is on an incline, so I was applying my foot to the gas pedal as I cam up towards the intersection, however I never exceeded the speed limit. The light turned yellow as I was within 30 feet of the intersection. I noticed one or 2 cars stopped at the lights on both sides of the street perpendicular to the one I was traveling on. For a split second I did start to depress the gas, but I gauged that the distance would not be sufficient based on the conditions, and did not want to risk skidding to a stop in the middle of the intersection to the peril of the oncoming drivers, so about 3/4 of my car ended up going through the red light.
As I went through the intersection, I looked to my left, and noticed a police car stopped at the light, and then predicted that I was about to be pulled over. As fate would have it, I was, and the officer proceeded to come to my car and then tell me that I had gone through what had been a "very red light". This part stuck out in my mind, because I figured that if the light had been very red, the officer's car, or the car that was next to him would have been in the intersection before I got to it, resulting in an accident that I strongly believe I avoided.
As far as photos, I will go take some, but unfortunately, my city's Commisioner of Oaths does not certify true copies, and I can't afford to hire a Notary.
I also checked online and found this website from the road safety authority of Ireland (so I doubt they'll take it seriously here):
http://www.rulesoftheroad.ie/rules-for- ... -cars.htmland see that the total stopping distance of a 35.2 meters (or 115.5 ft).
Is there any hope for me to use this argument?
Any advice on how to fight this ticket is appreciated.
Thanks all