Red-light cameras warrant green light

Red-light cameras save lives, improve traffic and ease the burden on law enforcement officers. Yet the Florida Legislature has rejected this sensible traffic tool for the flimsiest of reasons.

Some lawmakers claim placing these cameras at dangerous intersections violates a citizen's right to privacy, a ludicrous argument considering that citizens are accustomed to having their every move in public recorded, whether buying a soda at a convenience store, making a deposit at the bank or dining out at a restaurant.

Frustrated local law enforcement agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, have bypassed the Legislature's roadblock by putting - with local elected officials' approval - the cameras on local roads and private property.

This year, however, legislators may finally come to their senses.

A measure that would authorize local governments to install red-light cameras on state roads is progressing.

Sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman of Melbourne and Rep. Ron Reagan of Bradenton, the measure would establish a fine of $150. The offense would be treated similar to that of a driver who fails to pay a toll. It would carry no points on the violator's driver's license.

This modest law surely would make our roads safer.

National statistics show that red-light violations are more likely to result in injuries than any other type of urban accident.

And consider the results of communities that utilized the cameras: In New York City, the cameras reduced violations 73 percent and collisions 41 percent. In Philadelphia, cameras reduced violations 72 percent.

Some studies have shown the installation of the cameras result in more rear-end collisions, as drivers suddenly brake to avoid being caught running a red light. But rear-end accidents tend to be less severe than broadside collisions, and drivers soon learn to expect the car ahead to follow the law and stop.

Moreover, an intensive public education campaign about the cameras and the importance of proper traffic- light safety could minimize problems.

Some critics claim the cameras are designed solely to generate revenue. But the goal is to reduce the number of red-light violations. If cameras are as successful as they have been elsewhere, then the cameras are not going to inflate the public coffers.

The cameras simply will hold drivers accountable for reckless actions. That should cause motorists to adjust their behavior and not be so quick to take chances that put their lives and the lives at others at risk.