Cameras in Philadelphia and across the country have had a dramatically positive impact in changing driver behavior and saving lives by reducing red light running and crashes and helping law enforcement hold red light runners accountable. Here’s what some in Pennsylvania have to say about cameras:
• ABC Action News Philadelphia:
• Vince Fenerty, Philadelphia Parking Authority: "Overall, crashes are down, and [red-light] citations are down about 90 percent. Drivers' habits have changed, and traffic has slowed down.” (Philly.com, October 25, 2011)
• City of Lancaster Resolution: “[S]afety cameras have been proven effective by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and endorsed by the World Health Organization as a way to prevent crashes… [L]ocal law enforcement should have the ability to use the tools at their disposal to enforce the laws that keep Pennsylvania citizens and visitors safe.” (City of Lancaster, City Council Resolution 18-2012, April 10, 2012)
• Fenerty, Philadelphia Parking Authority: "There've been no t-bone accidents along Roosevelt Boulevards [where nine cameras are located], pedestrians are not being ran over like they were. If you save one life anywhere in this state, it's worth it." (ABC 6 Philadelphia Action News, March 12, 2012)
Across the country, traffic safety cameras are making roads safer by holding drivers accountable for breaking the law. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), safety cameras in the 14 largest U.S. cities using them between 2004 and 2008 led to a 24 percent reduction in fatal red light running crashes.
“Data and anecdotal evidence prove red light cameras in Philadelphia have reduced red light running, crashes and avoidable deaths,” said TSC National Co-Chair Paul Oberhauser whose daughter, Sarah, was killed in 2002 by a red light runner. “Every Pennsylvania city should have the ability to use this life saving technology. No family should every have to experience the unnecessary death of a loved one because of a red light runner.”
