Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Red Light Cameras Hang Around

The controversial Florida red-light camera program will continue. The Florida legislature refused a ban on the cameras. A tied vote led the Senate Transportation Committee to reject the measure.

“Reducing accidents is the purpose of installing red-light camera enforcement systems at busy intersections,” said Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance provider.

Red-light cameras deter drivers from running red lights and turning on a red light before coming to a full stop. Also,turning right on a red light when a “no turn on red” sign is posted.

However, opinions across Florida are split regarding the red-light camera’s effectiveness. For the most part, studies regarding red-light camera use show a decrease in red-light traffic violations when used. Nevertheless, compelling evidence suggests an increase in the number of auto collisions at those same intersections where cameras are present.

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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles surveyed 148 intersections in 28 cities and counties across the state. The survey used crash data collected between July 2012 and April 2016. Crashes rose 10.14 percent when comparing data prior to installation and after installation according to the December 2016 report.

Also, collisions involving vehicles running red lights were down 3.14 percent. Consequently, the survey noted that not all crash reports give exact locations. This makes it problematic to associate the accidents with red-light camera intersections. But the increase in red-light camera intersection accidents follows a trend. Last year’s report shows a 14.65 percent rise.

“The most useful information will come from county or municipality evaluations. Nationwide studies on red-light camera effectiveness are often contradictory and lead to confusion about the safest scenario for drivers,” said Buck, with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency.

Money is a major factor in the debate. Some legislators believe the red-light cameras are about increasing revenue, not public safety. In fact, opponents of the red-light camera program say the technology has become a new revenue source for local governments. For instance, the $158 fine is split with state and local governments.

Statewide red-light camera revenue brought in almost $60 million in 2016 for the state according to the Florida Department of Revenue. Therefore, cities and counties divide $53 million with about half that going to the camera companies.

All that being said, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found that fatal crashes from drivers running red lights increased by 30 percent per capita after cities turned off their red-light camera programs.

GreatFlorida Insurance has knowledgeable agents across Florida who are committed to finding you the most affordable car insurance to fit your needs. Call 888-478-7801 or online at www.greatflorida.com for a free quote today.

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Dustyn Shroff
Dustyn Shroffhttp://www.greatflorida.com
Vice President at GreatFlorida Insurance

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