Traffic Safety Coalition Announces Traffic Fatalities in Washington on the Decline

April 12, 2012 - PRLog -- CHICAGO – The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show the number of fatalities on Washington’s roadways declined 28 percent, including a 31 percent reduction in speed-related fatalities, from 2006 to 2010. Washington roads are getting safer as drivers practice more responsibility on the road, automobiles become safer and police are able to take advantage of new technology to hold lawbreakers accountable through the use of live-saving enforcement tools such as red light cameras.  

According to NHTSA data, there were 458 fatalities on Washington roads in 2010, down from 633 in 2006.  Speed-related fatalities were also reduced by 31 percent – from 253 in 2006 to 175 in 2010.  

Cities across Washington use red light cameras to change driver behavior and deter drivers from breaking the law.  Statistics from these communities show safety cameras are working to reduce crashes and save lives:

•   Puyallup, Wa. –Intersection safety cameras at Puyallup led to a 50% reduction in red light running violations (Puyallup Herald).
   
•   Seattle, Wa. –Intersection safety cameras in Seattle led to a one-third reduction in red light running (City of Seattle: Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Project).

•   Fife, Wa. –Red light photo enforcement in Fife led to a 30% reduction in in collisions at key intersections (The City of Fife Municipal Court).

Traffic safety cameras in Washington and across the country have the support of many individuals, including elected officials.  Lynnwood City Councilman Mark Smith spoke about the city’s safety camera program, saying:
   
“What I think is that they [red light cameras] are very, very good safety measures at some of the most dangerous intersections in the city — and that includes school zones, where we want to emphasize safety.” (Herald Net).