And it doesn't take a bunch of statistics to show that people are seriously injured or killed everyday because drivers are running red lights. But just in case you need me to prove it to you, I will. According to the Dayton Daily News, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that the number of fatalities stemming from drivers who run red lights is up 15 percent, from 702 in 1992 to 809 in 1996. In addition, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that from 1993 to 1995, Milwaukee saw a 54-percent rise in crashes involving red light violators. The rise prompted the Milwaukee Safety Commission to install cameras at intersections to stop violators.
Police then review the photos and mail tickets to the car owners.
Well, after a 6 percent rise in accidents each year for six years straight, Scottsdale, Ariz., recorded a four percent decline after the city installed cameras in 1997. And Oxnard, Calif., recorded a 42 percent decline. Sounds like it could do a lot of good. Even here in Happy Valley. Honestly, I don't know.