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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2008

Don't Blame Cameras

Regarding "Red-Light Cameras Don't Stop Accidents" (Other views, Jan 23):

Barbara Orban's comment that "Red-light running cameras are about money, not safety" is half right. They are about money and the fact that they are about money makes them about safety. Not much impacts people today more than what empties their pocketbook.

Orban's reference to the Virginia study and the ridiculous assumption that the cameras increase crashes doesn't address the real cause of the accidents. Speeding, tailgating and not paying attention caused these accidents, not the camera.

The only explanation that would lead to the fact that more people are injured from stopping for red lights than running them is that we are now programmed that the driver in front of us will run the light, we can ride their bumper through and everyone else will wait for us.

If you want to improve the quality of life in Florida, teach people to obey the law and hold them accountable when they don't. Cameras are the result of people breaking the law; they don't cause people to break it.

JIM DAVIS

Tampa

Disagrees With Writer

I feel compelled to disagree with Barbara Orban's view on the effectiveness of red-light cameras.

Based on numerous studies across the nation, both the Federal Highway Administration and the Institute of Transportation Engineers have concluded that camera systems used to assist in the enforcement of red-light running can make intersections safer. A 2003 study by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies concluded that it appears that red-light cameras can bring about a reduction in the more severe angle crashes with, at worst, a slight increase in less severe rear-end crashes.

Driving on our roads is a privilege and we shouldn't hesitate to ticket those who violate basic rules of the road, notably failure to stop at a red traffic light, which endangers all of us.

EDWARD A. MIERZEJEWSKI

Lutz

It's Speed That Kills

It is unfortunate that Barbara Orban didn't reveal the real cause of accidents that occur because of quick stops. The real cause was speed and following too close. If you are 10 or so feet from the intersection and the yellow light comes on you, of course, go through. However if you are going the proper speed, and it usually is no more than 35 mph in an area where there are lights, you will be able to slow down when you see the yellow light from 40-plus feet away. The person behind you will also see the yellow light. Speed kills, not cameras. Cameras at intersections will cut down on accidents and education will also cut down on the intersection accidents.

GENE KANNEE

Sun City Center

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