As a car accident lawyer, I have seen too many accidents involving the failure to simply follow traffic signals-especially running red lights. So, I agree with a recent editorial, that “it is disappointing that a majority of Orange County commissioners voted for a hand-slap instead of a paddle Tuesday by not approving using cameras to fine red-light runners.”
Commissioners feared a legal challenge because the state has failed to pass a law specifically allowing cameras to be used for such citations. But three commissioners, Linda Stewart, Teresa Jacobs and Bill Segal courageously voted for the fines.
Indeed, Apopka, Orlando, Pembroke Pines and Gulf Breeze all have recognized that this can deter car accidents. All have approved using the cameras to issue citations to vehicles running red lights.
At least, Mayor Rich Crotty and the commission moved forward to install cameras at two intersections, with red-light runners getting warning letters. They also vowed that a top priority for next year’s legislative session is a law allowing the cameras to be used for citations, rather than simply issuing useless and ineffective warnings.
Again, I agree that warnings are better than nothing. The mere presence of such cameras may have a deterring effect. At one Orlando intersection where cameras were installed to count red-light running, crashes went from 39 to 20. But without a doubt that pales in comparison to locations that issue citations from the cameras. For example, the editorial also notes that in Ventura, Calif., crashes were reduced by 80 percent at 17 intersections after cameras were used to assess fines.
