Major Insurance Companies Behind Red Light Cameras

A recent study has shown that "red light cameras" being installed throughout the State of Florida are creating an increased risk of accidents and traffic related fatalities. Barbars Langland-Orband, chair at the USF College of Public Health states that individuals have been shown to "abruptly stop" at intersections equipped with cameras. She went on to say that the use of these cameras in Florida will lead to increased fatalities due to the fact that the state has a higher amount of elderly drivers who are more susceptible to lose their life in a traffic accident.

Even more startling is the fact that the U.S. House of Representatives has noted in reports almost a decade old, that red light cameras are associated with an increase in accident fatalities. The report further stated that it is common for the timers on lights to be set in such a way as to increase the amount of tickets generated.

Alternative avenues of traffic safety improvement have been suggested by way of road design, and signal ergonomics. The USF College of Public Health suggests that when comparing the financial interest of the insurance industry with the effectiveness of camera implementation, we should be aware of the following:

Seven major States have already reported increased auto related injuries directly resulting from red light photo systems.

Traffic fatalities attributed to the running of red lights account for less than 4% of traffic fatalities in Florida. Intersection related fatalities in Florida are 4 times more likely to be attributed to cases other than the running of a red light.

Injuries resulting from running red lights have declined by 33% in under a decade without the use of traffic cameras.

The Transportation Research Counsel has reported that cameras are directly linked to increased auto accident costs.

Major studies that have concluded that traffic cameras actually reduced auto accidents have been found to be linked to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and contained major "design research" flaws.

Insurance companies are the leading advocate of traffic light camera systems.

David Demello, a Florida traffic system analyst, is fearful of the effect that such devices will have on our community. "When you look at what is really behind red light photo systems in Florida, you have to realize that it is all a hoax. Look a little further and you will certainly be disturbed at the loss of life that follows the implementation of these programs" he says.

Demello is not alone. In fact, many Florida citizens have grown distrusting of insurance companies and the red light camera program, following State Representative Ron Reagan's ties the Insurance Campaign Institute. Essentially a training ground for political campaigning, the ICI covers all facets strategic political maneuvering. Reagan, is said to have pushed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act through after taking part in the program two times. The act allows cities to utilize red light cameras and is considered to his was of paying back the insurance companies that facilitated his getting elected. "As with most things, it comes down to money and power" says Demello as he shakes his head... "and alot of Florida motorists are going to be injured because of that.

By: William Moore

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