Are red light camera programs saving lives? Officials and data disagree
This article first appeared in Wesh Orlando News on April 11, 2024 - click here Florida cities and counties that have red light camera programs insist they are saving lives and reducing serious injuries. Proving that idea is complicated, according to WESH 2 Investigates' review of available data. Certainly, no one argues that red light running can be deadly. Each year in the U.S., there are roughly 165,000 crashes, 1,000 deaths, and 127,000 injuries. The red light camera program in the state, launched in July 2010, was intended to reduce those numbers. Some drivers fight the $158 "Notices Of Violation" in court. WESH 2 Investigates observed a day of court hearings in Orange County court, where most drivers ended up paying the fines. Evelyn Mack claimed family members borrowed her car and ran red lights, getting notices of violation. She didn’t bring a required affidavit swearing to that assertion to court and ended up[...]
2023 World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Crash Victims
In recognition of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Melissa Wandall, President of M3 Motivational Concepts, Ambassador for Target Zero Florida & President NCSR, partnered with FDOT District 1, Law Enforcement, and the Community at Large to host a World Day of Remembrance event on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the SE Corner of State Road 70 at Tara Boulevard. This location was selected, as the year 2023 marked the 20th year since Mark Wandall died at this intersection due to the carelessness of a red-light runner. While WDoR is recognized around the globe, here in Florida, it is a day to memorialize those who have died and honor those seriously injured on Florida’s roadways while zeroing in on Florida’s Target Zero messaging. Target Zero builds upon the Vision Zero belief by influencing dangerous driving behaviors before serious and fatal crashes occur. Law Enforcement and Media Partners who were there the evening[...]
Exploring the World of Automatic Braking in 2024
In today's automotive landscape, safety technology is taking center stage, with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems leading the charge. Among the frontrunners in this realm is Tesla, renowned for its advanced safety features. Let's take a closer look into the world of AEB systems, focusing on Tesla's Automatic Braking System and the impact it has on road safety. The Effectiveness of Automatic Braking Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, like the one found in Tesla vehicles, have proven to be significant in preventing collisions and minimizing their severity. Studies, including those by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), have shown a remarkable 50% reduction in front-to-rear crashes with the use of AEB. While these systems excel at lower speeds and in favorable conditions, they may encounter challenges in detecting certain objects or in complex driving scenarios. Tesla's AEB system, despite its effectiveness, is not foolproof and may not always prevent all collisions. Despite these[...]
Bicycle Safety Initiatives in 2024
In this article, we will be talking about bicycle safety and some of the advancements that have been made over the past 12 months. In 2024, several initiatives and technologies are being implemented to increase safety for bicyclists. Some of these include: 1. Legislative Changes: In California, a new bill (A.B. 1909) allows bicyclists to cross the street at the same time as pedestrians, providing them with greater safety from motor vehicles[2][3]. 2. Infrastructure Development: Cities are focusing on building complete bike networks, low-stress bike connections, and adding bicycle signage and pavement markings to prioritize navigation for cyclists. There is also an emphasis on creating secure bike parking to encourage cycling as a mode of transportation[1]. 3. Technological Innovations: Some cities are exploring the use of forward-facing cameras on city-owned vehicles to support the safety of bicyclists[3]. 4. Enforcement Operations: Law enforcement agencies are conducting bike and pedestrian safety enforcement operations with focused enforcement[...]
Traffic Safety Technology in 2024
In a world that's always on the move, ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians is the top priority. As we approach 2024, the landscape of traffic safety technology is undergoing significant changes. Technology and technological innovations are changing the way we approach road safety. Let's talk about some of the exciting developments that await us in the not too distant future. Changes in Traffic Safety Technology The journey of traffic safety technology has been nothing short of remarkable. From the advent of traffic signals to the introduction of ABS brakes, each milestone has contributed to making our roads safer. As we stand on the brink of 2024, it's been a long journey that's brought us here. The Current State of Traffic Safety Technology Before we talk about the future, let's consider where we are now. The current landscape is marked by the widespread use of technologies such as lane departure warning systems,[...]
Unveiling the Power of Traffic Safety Cameras
GHSA's Latest Report and Recommendations In the ever-evolving landscape of traffic safety, communities nationwide are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to enhance road safety. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is at the forefront of this movement, set to release a groundbreaking report that delves into the advantages of traffic safety cameras, a tool gaining traction in numerous municipalities. GHSA's upcoming report not only sheds light on the benefits of traffic safety cameras but also takes a closer look at the challenges involved in their implementation. Addressing a crucial aspect of modern traffic enforcement, the report provides valuable recommendations for states, localities, and their partners who are considering the adoption or expansion of automated enforcement programs. One key focus of the report is the integration of traffic safety cameras in the context of equity. As communities continue to emphasize fairness in law enforcement, these cameras emerge as a supplementary tool that not only[...]