

I reviewed the Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press poll results, which indicated a majority of New Jerseyans approve of the red-light camera program and would like for it to continue.

As the President and CEO of a traffic safety organization and former Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, I am a strong proponent of measures that will make our roadways safer for all users.

I have been closely following the red-light camera pilot program since its inception five years ago and I believe it is an effective tool in reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities that occur as a result of red-light running. The cameras also have the added benefit of freeing law enforcement so they can spend more time combating crime and responding to their communities, rather than being out there conducting traffic duties. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s third annual analysis of the red-light camera program, the cameras have also proven to change driver’s behavior, 9 out of 19 drivers who receive a violation do not get another.

Furthermore, the cameras actually save money for taxpayers and communities. According to AAA, a single fatal crash costs society $6 million in 2009, an 87 percent increase from 2005. This includes the costs to victims, families, government, insurers, and taxpayers – 50 percent of which insurers pay. Citations issued by red light cameras are 100 percent violator funded.

I strongly encourage the continuation and expansion of the red-light camera program, as long as there is more accountability and transparency to assure the drivers will be treated fairly with a primary goal of safety first. In addition, current and new drivers need more education on the implementation of cameras and new technology used to manage traffic flow. Red-light cameras are a measure that can save lives!

ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ, PRESIDENT & CEO,

DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TRAFFIC SAFETY SOLUTIONS GROUP

JACKSON