ATS Online Newsletter, Issue 4
Top Story
Teen Driver Runs Red Light, Learns Valuable Lesson
San Jose Mercury News, Dec. 29, 2010
The honesty in this California teen’s story is palpable. A self-confessed “absent-minded driver,” this young lady regularly took her eyes off the road to change the radio station or adjust her makeup. Then, she ran a red light. In less than half a second, she changed her life. Thankfully, this story isn’t about a tragic injury. Instead, it’s a powerful example of how Intersection Safety Cameras working with traffic laws can change driver behavior. No longer does she take her eyes off the road. “I feel like I’m driving in a way that keeps me and others safe. And I get that nice little kick of the vague feeling of superiority that comes with following widely ignored rules.”
Her story is a must-read for teens and families because drivers under the age of 25 had the highest rate of involvement in fatal crashes of any age group in 2008 on a per population basis, according to the most recent figures available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Before you think about speeding, watch this Australia Speeding PSA on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfdbeecfiJo&feature=youtu.be
Poll Reflects Strong Support for Intersection Safety Cameras in Florida Counties
St. Petersburg Times, Dec. 29, 2010
Billy Faedo was stopped at a Tampa intersection on Christmas Eve when his light turned green. He prepared to turn left when a scooter flew past the front-end of his car.The helmet-less rider had just run a red light. “I could have just punched it, and this guy would have been on my hood,” said Faedo, 63. “I could have messed up his Christmas, and he could have messed up my Christmas.” That’s why Faedo said he gives the green light to red light cameras.
Motorist Dies in Collision with Red-Light Runner
The Olympian, Dec. 29, 2010
Federal Way police said a 21-year-old man was killed after another driver ran a red light in Federal Way early Wednesday. Witnesses told police the Suburban drove through the red light. A check of the city’s traffic camera installed at the intersection confirmed the Suburban ran through the red light.
1 Year after Installing Cameras, Collisions Fall 10% in Missouri City
KBIA 91.3, Dec. 28, 2010
The city of Columbia has released a summary of its red-light camera program for its first year of operation. Results show collisions at intersections with the cameras are down by a little more than 10 percent, from 157 to 142.
Intersection Safety Cameras Go to Work in Miami
Traffic Technology Today, Dec. 27, 2010
Miami’s red-light cameras are due to be activated on January 1. Unlike other locations, this program goes live without a grace period, which means drivers who are caught running a red light will not be getting any second chances.
More Charges Possible in Fatal Intersection Collision
Daily Herald, Dec. 24, 2010
Officials in Illinois are awaiting further evidence before deciding if additional charges will be filed against a Lisle man accused of killing a woman when he ran a red light in Waukegan.
“I’m glad for the red-light cameras if they succeed in slowing down the traffic on Ocean Beach Highway. I’m tired of being honked at and zoom-zoomed for driving the speed limit.”
— Jean Bruner, Longview, Wash.,
The Daily News, Dec. 26, 2010
Red-Light Cameras Are an Important Tool that Saves Lives
Opelika-Auburn News, Dec. 29, 2010
[Editor’s note: Even though this column was first published last year, it remains in circulation and delivers an important message about Intersection Safety Cameras.] My parents offered plenty of instruction, pointers and tips when I was learning to drive. Most valuable, however: “Never be the first car through an intersection.” Have you ever counted the cars that run red lights? I’ve counted as many as six at once. But I never thought much about red-light cameras – never, that is, until Mark Wandall.
Red-light running violations have declined 67 percent at two intersections in Temple Terrace, Fla., since September 2008 when Intersection Safety Cameras were installed. Source: The Tampa Tribune, Dec. 29, 2010.
The warning period for red-light running tickets in Hollywood, Fla., is in effect through Jan. 9, 2011. Currently five approaches use Intersection Safety Cameras. Source: City of Hollywood, Fla.
Millington, Tenn., ends its warning period on Dec. 30, 2010. After that date, the city will issue notices of violation to motorists who run red lights at locations with Intersection Safety Cameras. Source: City of Millington, Tenn.