To help ensure the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors, I have been on a crusade for almost a decade. This crusade was to bring red light cameras to Palm Beach County to save lives. My efforts have included raising public awareness and lobbying the Florida Legislature. When Tallahassee failed to act I finally decided to take the matter into my own hands. I was thankful to have the support of my fellow County Commissioners that helped to ensure the success of my crusade on a local level.
The first week of August (2 – 8) is National Stop on Red Week. I can think of no greater time to update you on the progress and advancements we have made to bring red light cameras to our area. In July the County Commission awarded a 36 month contract to American Traffic Systems, Inc. to install, administer and service the red light camera program. The contract will include the review of photographs, printing and mailing of citations and collection of fees for the cameras at ten intersections. Depending on the program’s success an additional ten intersections could be added at a later date.
Statistics compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2007, the most recent year for which fatality data are available, showed that nearly 900 people were killed and 153,000 were injured in collisions at intersections nationally. In addition, the Institute notes that of those killed half were pedestrians and passengers in vehicles hit by drivers running red lights. According to their figures red light cameras reduce violations by 40-50% and injury crashes by 25-30%.
Some impressive statistics according to the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running from various Cities across the United States on the use of red light cameras include:
New Orleans, LA — red light cameras led to an 85% drop in red light running; Council Bluffs, IA ― a 90% reduction in red light running crashes; Washington, DC ― red light running fatalities were reduced from 16 to 2 in the first two years of red light cameras; Fairfax, VA ― a 44% reduction in red light running crashes; Oxnard, CA ― a 22% reduction in red light crashes citywide; New York City ― a 34% reduction in red light violations. For more information, visit http://www.stopredlightrunning.com.)
In light of these facts there is no doubt in my mind that eventually your representatives in Tallahassee will iron out their differences and pass legislation but it was my belief that the residents of Palm Beach County should not have to wait. However, as hard as I have worked to see results in this effort I still must implore you, cameras alone will not make driving safe. You alone are responsible for yourself when driving on these busy streets. There are still many dangers and I encourage you to drive with the rules of the road in mind and defensively against those that may not take those rules as seriously.
As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. You can also email me at baaronso@pbcgov.org.
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Government
