3 January 2008
I’m very glad to see that 2 dozen more red-light cameras at 19 intersections are going to be installed during the coming year in Seattle. There are 4 now in a pilot program and they have cut the number of people running red lights in half. As a senior citizen who no longer drives, I may begin to have a better chance crossing streets. There are places in Seattle where someone runs the red light every time the light changes. I can’t begin to count the near misses that I have had crossing with the walk sign. If there isn’t blatant red light running there is always the careless right and left turners. Where are these people going in such a hurry that a few seconds stopping will cause disaster in their lives? Do they realize that if they cause an accident or run down a pedestrian, then they will really learn the meaning of disaster? There never seems to be a police car around during these infractions so automated cameras will have to fill that void.
In 2007 the fine for running a red light was $101, this year it will be $124. According to the City Council, the citations provided more than double the money the cameras cost to operate. While the frequency of car collisions was not reduced, the cameras might have helped reduce the severity of the crashes. In the intersections used in the pilot program there were fewer accidents resulting in injuries. Let’s hope that 2008 shows an even bigger reduction of red light running.
Entries (RSS)