ATS’ Newsletter, Vol. 2, Issue 17

Say It Again: Stop on Red. The Life You Save May Be Your Own
The month of March is coming to an end and so is the State of Arizona’s Red-Light Running Awareness Month. To all of you who made a special effort over the past several weeks to spread the message to Stop on Red, ATS thanks you. Of course, this message is too important to be confined to a single month. One organization that diligently works for safer roads every day is Arizona’s Red Means Stop Traffic Safety Alliance. In his recent commentary, Frank Hinds, the executive director for the alliance, urges us all to remain dedicated to improving driver safety every day of every month. You can read Frank’s commentary in the Peoria Times. You can  proudly spread the message to Stop on Red anywhere.


Success with 1 Camera Has East Brunswick Considering a 2nd
Sentinel/Greater Media Newspapers (New Jersey), March 28, 2012 

East Brunswick officials are considering installing a second red-light camera system in their township. Its first red-light camera was installed in March 2011, and its success is what prompted the administration to look into having a second installed, said Business Administrator Jim White.

ATS Presents Program Specifics to Dumont Officials
Twin-Boro News (New Jersey), March 22, 2012

As part of their process to decide whether to install red-light safety cameras at certain borough intersections, Dumont officials recently heard from an American Traffic Solutions representative who explained how the system works.

Charges Stack Up Against Red-Light Running Motorcyclist
HQCowichanValley.com (Canada), March 21, 2012

Ladysmith RCMP said a 49-year-old motorcycle driver who ran a red light and was thrown from his bike is facing several charges.

Bike Crash Survivor Pleads for Awareness on the Roads
Naples News (Florida), March 19, 2012

Elayne Jackson always wore a helmet, which is why after she was hit and dragged underneath a pickup’s trailer Feb. 29, she can sit up in a hospital bed and tell visitors she suffered no brain injuries. She didn’t escape unscathed though, and is urging locals to be mindful of one another on the roads.

West Park Prints Q&A on Red Light Safety Cameras
Community Newspapers (Florida), March 2012

Community Newspapers published the most freqently asked questions and their answers regarding red-light safety cameras in the city of West Park.


School District Gets Tough on Motorists Passing Buses
North Carolina News Network, March 24, 2012

Rowan-Salisbury Schools is cracking down on school bus stop arm violators. They have installed cameras on some buses to catch those who have broken the law. The devices on two buses have led to 10 citations, resulting in five guilty pleas. (Salisbury Post photo by John C. Lakey)

Charles County Proposes School Bus Safety Cameras
The Baynet.com (Maryland), March 22, 2012

Committing a traffic violation around a school bus may soon earn you a citation if a plan to add cameras to school buses passes.  The Charles County Board of Commissioners heard from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday about the violations and the need for the cameras.

Maryland County Sees Safety Solution in Cameras
ConvergeMag.com, March 22, 2012

Montgomery County, where about 1,500 school bus drivers file nearly 750,000 reports per year — or 500 reports each — about drivers who illegally pass the school bus they drive, now has a law in place to use cameras on school buses to deter cars from illegally passing.


10,384 Violations and Counting Reveal Intersection’s Danger
East Brunswick Patch (New Jersey), March 27, 2012

A red-light safety camera at the intersection of Tices Lane and Route 18 has netted 10,384 traffic violations since it went “live” in May 2011. “It has proven to be a real valuable tool,” said East Brunswick Police Sgt. Chris Soke. “Because it’s taking video, we can use it if there’s a hit and run … it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement.”

D.C. Mayor, Police Say Safety Is Reason for More Cameras
NBC Channel 4/First Read DMV (District of Columbia), March 26, 2012

Mayor Vincent Gray’s proposal to use traffic safety cameras to photograph red-light runners and speeders is to enhance public safety.

Q&A Asks if Cameras Make You Feel Safer?
Calgary Herald (Canada), March 25, 2012

Pedestrians and a bicyclist on the streets of Calgary express their opinions on red-light cameras.


Tampa Leads Florida Cities in Red-Light Running Tickets
WTSP TV Channel 10, March 23, 2012

Of 58 cities and towns in Florida with red-light safety cameras, Tampa wrote the most tickets in January with nearly 5,500.

@ATS_RoadSafety  Don’t Text & Drive: Jordin Sparks and Andy Pilgrim Visit Nation’s Capital To Promote ‘Attentive Driving’ http://www.andypilgrimfoundation.org/news/

This week, American Traffic Solutions has signed separate five-year agreements with New Jersey’s Borough of Point Pleasant Beach and Neptune Township to install, maintain and operate red-light safety camera programs in their cities. The week also saw the Newton County School System in Georgia sign a five-year agreement with ATS to implement a school bus safety camera enforcement program. Finally, Clayton County, Ga., and Westminster, Md., renewed their Road Safety Camera Programs with the company. ATS is honored to partner with these five agencies in their road safety efforts.

Editorial: Cameras Are Changing Drivers’ Mentality
The Selma Times-Journal (Alabama), March 28, 2012

Last June, crews began installing the first of three red-light cameras within Selma’s city limits. … What has changed since that time, and what was the intention of city leaders, is the driving habits of drivers in the areas around these cameras. … You have seen the creation of safer driving zones. Read a pdf version of the editorial.

Commentary: Toughen Law Against Red-Light Runners
The Daily Advertiser (Louisiana), March 26, 2012

For the folks who believe that traffic cameras are an intrusion into their lives, then I say what would satisfy you, getting rid of all public cameras? My question is economics: Just how much would it cost to get rid of the Safelight program? I believe the police traffic division would have to invest in some expensive resources.

Commentary: Cameras Have More to Offer New Jersey
Passaic County Pulse, March-April 2012

New Jersey’s early success from its red-light camera pilot program matches nationwide results. This outcome alone justifies its expansion.

Letter: Bring on the Cameras
Mukilteo Beacon (Washington), March 28, 2012

With regard to the Washington State Supreme Court ruling on red-light cameras, I am happy and would love to see them installed in all school zones!

Letter: Try Obeying Traffic Laws
Mukilteo Beacon (Washington), March 28, 2012

I have an airtight solution for the red-light camera debate, and it’s so crazy that it just might work – OBEY THE LAW.

Letter: Cameras Save Lives
WCF Courier.com (Iowa), March 26, 2012

Speed and red-light cameras have quickly become an issue in Iowa. … From 2004-2008, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety discovered cities with traffic cameras saw a 24 percent reduction in red-light accidents in comparison to cities without traffic cameras. They are far from perfect, but they work.

Letter: Let Scofflaws Help Pay Cities’ Bills
The News Tribune (Washington), March 23, 2012

It’s difficult for me to understand why there’s any question whether or not these cameras reduce accidents. Of course they do. That’s why so many citizens are against them; they want to continue to run red lights without any penalty.

“We are actually, it appears, changing people’s driving habits. … We’re very pleased with it from an enforcement standpoint and a safety standpoint.”
Jim White, East Brunswick business administrator
Sentinel/Greater Media Newspapers (New Jersey), March 28, 2012

“Red-light violations are very difficult to enforce for policemen. You have to be able to see a violation occur with your own eyes at the same time that you’re watching the red phase of the light, a vehicle, and the limit line. For a policeman, that’s tough.”
Keith Kauffman, Hawthorne City police captain
Contra Costa Times (California), March 27, 2012


“It’s really to have drivers to be cognizant that these cameras are out there and the ultimate goal is to get folks to slow down. If you’re not speeding, at the end of the day, you’re not going to get a ticket.”
Peter Newsham, District of Columbia assistant police chief
NBC TV 4/First Read – DMV, March 26, 2012

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