how to stop the crashing
We’ve talked before about crashes at intersections (we need to update our map of Tampa’s High Crash Locations), and Dave Balut recently highlighted Tampa Bay’s most dangerous intersections. The most common reason for a crash is drivers running a traffic control device.
Makes sense – even our elected officials run red lights. In addition, Rich Shopes says that drivers in Tampa Bay go faster than similar places across the nation.
So Hillsborough County is looking at using Red Light Cameras, and a number of cities across the nation already have them installed. The Sheriff’s Office is studying the idea, and the Tampa Tribune is already on board in support.
We’re leaning toward the Red Light Cameras, too, but there are other ideas too, such as a longer yellow light, or better signage and visibility at the intersections. If you were in charge, how would you limit the number of crashes at intersections?
Tags: accident, crash, dangerous, Hillsborough County, intersections, law enforcement, red light cameras, traffic, transportation
Loading ...
February 4th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
The only thing that will work is red light cameras. Anything else, we are kidding ourselves that citizens will change their attitudes. The fact is that we have a population of drivers many of whom are contemptous of the traffic laws; the only thing that will get their attention is a hit in the pocketbook. And no slack. If your car is caught, you, the owner, pay. A stolen car might be an exception (and an additional charge for the thief). And please spare me the bleating about violation of rights. This can be just another example of the civil rights we’ve lost since 9/11.
February 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
red light cameras sound like a great idea until everyone buys one of these:
http://www.phantomplate.com/video.html
February 4th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Not really the best idea.
On the other hand, check out this farce from the DMV handbook:
Who has the right-of-way in Florida? The answer is no one! The law only says who must yield.
Which essentially means you can’t look at the scene of the accident, take testimony, determine fault and jack up their insurance.
Which is a much fairer – and WAY more effective – way of doing it than stripping our rights and thinking it’s OK just because so many others have been stripped.
(Also, I cannot begin to explain how that exclamation point appalls me. F*cking hick idiots. The whole handbook is an embarrassment.)
February 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I cannot tell you how many people used to end up in the UCH ER because of people running lights, stop signs!
February 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Longer yellow lights won’t do it; it’ll just let more people have more time to speed up to catch the yellow light. As much as I don’t like it on GP, I can see the appeal of red light cameras.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I don’t recall a right to do as you please while placing others in mortal danger being enumerated in the constitution. It’s a shame that so many people think that they only break the law when they get caught.