Red Light Cameras Reducing Crashes in Florida
Crashes are decreasing in Florida communities with red light cameras, according to a statewide report.
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More than 400 intersections in Florida have red light cameras, including a couple in New Port Richey.
According to a new report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 56 percent of communities surveyed noticed a total reduction in crashes at intersections with red light cameras.
The numbers:
- 43 percent - noticed a reduction in side impact crashes
- 41 percent - noticed a reduction in rear-end crashes
- 56 percent - noticed a total reduction in crashes
In total, 73 agencies responded to the survey and included information between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012.
"Agencies reported that in addition to the decrease in total crashes, traffic safety improved throughout the jurisdiction as drivers were more cautious when approaching all intersections," according to the Florida Red Light Camera Annual Report Survey - which is attached to this article.
During the surveyed period these agencies issued 999,929 Notices of Violation. Of those, 20,064 were challenged and eventually nearly 70 percent of those challenged were dismissed.
Being caught running a red light on camera comes with a $158 ticket.
What do you think about the red light cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Raymond Rossi
6:53 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What the report does not show is the danger due to increased traffic along the local side streets near the camera intersections from people trying to avoid the cameras.
Also not mentioned is the decrease in business to local merchants adjacent to camera intersections. What fills the city coffers empties local business' wallets. Too many towns are counting on this money to balance their budgets and will not give out any negative information on this subject.
Michael Malterer
8:12 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Etienne Pracht (USF Professor - College of Public Health) National yellow-light standards are bare minimums. "You can extend that by just one second and virtually eliminate red-light running."
Michael Malterer
8:22 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Pracht - 80% of red light running is done within the first second that a yellow turns red.
Associated Press legislative analysists found that while red light cameras do reduce the number of fatalities at intersections they increase the number rear end crashes.
bill stanton
11:04 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
i disagres with u i got a red light camera ticket and they never even notified me of it balony its nothing but a big ripoff
Sean Fleeman
12:10 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Yet, just last month there was a survey from Saint Petersburg showing the EXACT opposite. http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/st-petersburg-city-council-to-decide-future-of-red-light-cameras/1266845
But this study is cherry picking data. 56 percent of the communities studied? What about the other 44 percent? What is the TOTAL 100% number, I bet they would not look so rosy if they would just give us the facts, you know all of them.
I guess as with anything, proponents will pick and choose the facts that support their case, and opponents will do the same to support their case. How about the news media just give us poor old mushrooms out here all the facts and let us decide for ourselves what it is.
Mark
12:28 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Folks either slam on the brakes to stop and all in the car flies forward. In addition, it starts a chain reaction of screeching tires and brakes due to folks braking too quickly. Very bad idea but quite the money maker. On the other hand, many floor the gas pedal to make it through afriad they can't stop in time. Big brother has arrived. This practice of red light cameras should be outlawed.
bill stanton
11:02 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
i agree with u 100 percengt redlight cameras are nothing but a money maker for the towns and cities in florida and dont do a thing to save lives
Michael Malterer
12:56 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It might be nice to have someone on the New Port Richey City Council who understood the danger and added exspense that red light cameras inflict upon motorists. Check out www.mikefornpr.com