One indicator of society I have been monitoring over the last few months is motorists’ compliance with red light traffic signals.  The law is clear on signal controlled intersections.  Green light allows the motorist to pass through the intersection, yellow light cautions the motorist to safely clear out of the intersection in preparation of a red light, and red light directs the motorist to completely stop and not enter the intersection.

Every motorist knows there are not enough police to staff and monitor each and every controlled intersection, but not knowing when and where the police are monitoring creates both a deterrent as well as allows for compliance monitoring.  The consequence if caught running the red light could be a warning or fine, or a collision with another motorist.  Hence there is an expectation that motorists will stop when the signal is red, and not enter the intersection when the signal is yellow.

Unfortunately, if motorist compliance with red traffic signals are any indication of society’s overall respect and compliance to the laws, we are in big trouble.  Not a day went by over the last few months where I didn’t watch a motorist (often several motorists) not only enter the intersection on yellow lights, but completely blow through the intersection after their light had turned completely red, endangering every other motorist at the intersection.  In 100% of the times I observed this, the motorist simply kept their head down or looked straight ahead, not caring about the reaction or position of any other motorist.   Close to every day I observed a near miss where I, or the car in front of me, was nearly impacted by the motorist running their red light.

A more problematic observation of our society was observed the other night when I watched a police officer at a light.  The officer directly across from me watched a car run the red light and drive at regular speed right through the intersection, right in front of his police cruiser.  I thought I would see consequences in action, as the officer clearly saw what I saw, complete disregard for the law and the safety of every other motorist at the intersection.  However, I was sadly disappointed when the officer simply waited for his green signal and went the other way.  I suggest this is why so many motorists disregard the law, and the safety of everyone else on the road.  It is genuinely a “me” society.

My advice for every motorist is to wait for a green signal, count to five, and then proceed, as it is highly likely another motorist with a red signal will use the five seconds to drive recklessly through the intersection just when you think it is safe to proceed.  My prediction is when this approach is adopted in mass, more drivers will run red lights because they will know they have the extra five seconds after their red signal to get through the intersection, against their red signal.

That evolution leading to an increase in more deviant behavior, coupled with the acceptance to the new “norm”,  is analogous to what I see happening with employee embezzlements.  The more individuals that chose to steal and receive next to no punishment, likely has led to more individuals deciding they can solve their financial issues or live beyond their means by stealing others’ money with the perception (or perhaps even the reality) of receiving little to no consequences of any substance.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to turn these trends and society around?

To those of us who still care, I found this quote enlightening:

“Millions of people. Everyone out for themselves. Can this really be the only way? No. Here’s to honor, and to gallantry, long may it live. Here’s to doing the right thing. To giving a damn. Here’s to the straight-talkers, who give their word, and keep it. Here’s to freedom, wherever you find it, and to knowing the true meaning of wealth. Here’s to the brave among us. Here’s to a code of behavior that sets certain men (and women) apart from all others. Here’s to us. Live with Chivalry.”  http://www.boardofwisdom.com/mailquote.asp?msgid=251016

I thought the ad was a well-executed play on words.  “Consider the Chaser” related to a drink following a drink, such as a shot and a beer.  It also meant consider the police who have to chase down the drunk driver.  Drinking and driving puts not only the driver and their passengers at risk, but also everyone else out and about as well as the law enforcement personnel out enforcing the drunk driving laws.

All too often drivers under the influence cause devastating accidents, leading to injuries and deaths.  Having worked on an ambulance for 13 years, I have seen these first hand, and have had to treat innocent victims of these crimes.  The drivers get behind the wheel without much thought about the consequences as they decided to drink and drive.

White collar crimes are not much different.  Time and again I deal with employee embezzlements, and often the suspect’s actions, once revealed, have devastating effects on their spouse, significant other, children, grandchildren, other family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and anyone else in any way related to the suspect.  Over the years I have interacted with many embezzlers who never thought they would ever get caught, and also who never considered what the impacts would be if they did in fact get caught.

I have witnessed marriages irreparably broken, children displaced to relatives or state protective custody, parents disowning their child, children disowning their parents, siblings divided forever, and in most of those cases the embezzler never contemplated the level of consequences they ultimately experienced.

In writing blog posts I certainly will not be able to stop individuals contemplating or currently embezzling funds from their employer or family.  My goal is to make readers think about all the consequences, and consider the benefits versus costs of stealing funds or assets of others.

Consider all the possible consequences, as far fetched as they might seem, before deciding to embezzle funds to solve financial crises in your life.  Surrendering all your assets, displacing your family and going to jail can be no fun for everyone involved.