Floridians Support Red Light Cameras

BRADENTON, Fla., Sept. 5 -- Several cities throughout the state of Florida have begun installing red light running photo enforcement safety programs in an effort to increase traffic and pedestrian safety within their community.

And that's just fine with Florida citizens, according to a poll commissioned this summer by Florida's STOP! Red Light Running Coalition, an organization dedicated to making citizens aware of the red light running problem and provide ways to act upon this crisis through legislation, enforcement and education.

Last week's survey collected responses from 600 citizens throughout the state and found that 82 percent Florida residents said that red light running is a problem according to the poll, which was conducted by Telephone Contact Inc. Seven out of 10 stated they felt that red light running was "very severe."

More than 85 percent of Florida residents support the installation and operation of red light cameras at the most dangerous intersections, with 50 percent saying they "strongly support" the red light cameras. Additionally, 85 percent were in support of State legislation supporting red light camera enforcement programs throughout communities in Florida.

"Some of the most serious crashes that occur at major intersections involve red light violations," according to Melissa Wandall, of STOP! Red Light Running Coalition of Florida. "It's good to know that citizens support our efforts to increase traffic safety through photo enforcement. Our ultimate goal is to change driver behavior, save lives and reduce injuries." Melissa's husband, Mark Wandall was killed by a vehicle that ran a red light in October of 2003.

In an effort to encourage and show support for pending legislation to support red light camera programs throughout the State, the Coalition, along with community leaders, business and State legislators are meeting to organize, plan and promote red light enforcement legislation. State Representative Ron Reagan will be attending the meeting as well. Rep. Reagan is the author of the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act.

The STOP! Red Light Running Coalition meeting will take place at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport, in Tampa on September 12th where legislative priorities will be discussed with invited stakeholders include victims, elected officials, law enforcers, EMT and trauma care professionals, and business groups.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 43 percent of statewide fatalities and serious injuries happen at intersections or are influenced by intersections. In 2004, Florida led the nation in the number of people killed in crashes at intersections.

A surprising result, which further illustrates the broad impacts of red light running, is that 35 percent of those polled indicated that they or someone they knew had been involved in a collision as a result of red light running.