Red Light Camera News National Study on Red Light Cameras as Questionable and Flawed
Florida Civil Rights Association’s Transportation Chief Slams
National Study on Red Light Cameras as Questionable and Flawed
ORLANDO, FLA – The Florida Civil Rights Association’s Transportation Chief issued the following response to a recent study that claims red light cameras reduce fatalities.
The Florida Civil Rights Association finds the conclusion of an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report to be flawed and questionable. The IIHS has a longtime record for being an advocate of automated traffic enforcement because it would eventually lead to drivers’ license points and resultant higher insurance premiums for drivers. "People simply don't need this in the current recessionary environment or any other environment," stated Henry Stowe, the transportation chairman of the Florida Civil Rights Association. In addition, the FCRA deplores the questionable conclusions of the report.
Comparing 1992-1996 statistics with 2004-2008 statistics is "laughable on its face," said Stowe. In 1992-1996, the fatality rate on all highways ranged from 1.6-1.7 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled versus an average of 1.26 to 1.44 deaths per 100 mvmt in the 2004-2008 time period. The only conclusion that you can draw is that cities that used red light cameras experienced a "slower drop in their fatality rates than places that did not," in the intervening periods, said Stowe.
In addition, the FCRA concludes that the IIHS is also clearly out of touch with the public on the issue of photo enforcement and other traffic statistics. While their polls show public support, the FCRA notes that no camera program has ever survived a public referendum. The FCRA has been advocating that the public get the right to vote on this issue. Unfortunately, a provision that would have allowed a public vote on the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act was stricken from the final legislation.
The FCRA believes that red light camera legislation will be modified this year despite release of the misinformation by the IIHS. "This is their last ditch attempt to revive a failing program." Stowe notes that studies have shown that red light cameras overall have a negative effect on traffic safety. In some places, there are decreases, but the problem is that decreases on non camera areas are larger in places like Virginia, North Carolina, Washington State and others.
The FCRA is continuing the fight against red light cameras through organized and impromptu public protests, legal action and through legislative action.
ABOUT HENRY STOWE
Henry Stowe is the Transportation Chairman for the Florida Civil Rights Association (www.fcranews.com) and Florida Lead Activist for the National Motorists Association (www.motorists.org). He has testified before City and County Commissions, Florida House and Senate Committees on the flawed operation of Red Light Cameras. He has been interviewed by local, state and national media outlets. Stowe is available for telephone and on-camera interviews. He can be reached for interviews at (407) 375-8445,
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, or FCRA State Office (407) 272-9254
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