 The Traffic Safety Coalition has released a summary of the City of Albuquerque's traffic safety camera program. This document examines the history of the city's program, debunks myths regarding their operation and highlights the safety benefits provided by the cameras.You can also take a look at the Traffic Safety Coalition's press releases on total reduction in violations and the total reductions in red light running since cameras were installed at 14 Albuquerque intersections.
 Matt Trujillo, an Albuquerque native and an avid cyclist, was struck by a red light runner while riding his bike in Albuquerque on May 12, 2011. After two weeks in a coma, Matt lost his life. Following his death Matt's brother, Josh Trujillo, said "You never know when someone is going to be taken away from you, so just be really careful out there."
"The use of fixed automated traffic enforcement equipment is simply a way to supplement the city's public safety resources."
Tom Swisstack, Rio Rancho Mayor “People need to realize this is serious, that this does affect people’s lives, as far as serious crash injuries,” Francis said.
John Francis, Rio Rancho Police Department |
From June 2009-June 2010, violations dropped from 15,513 to 7,733, a 50% reduction in red light running. When safety cameras were shut off at three Albuquerque intersections, speeding and red light running increased by 584%. __________________________ Take a look at the press release from the Traffic Safety Coalition addressing red light running violations at Albuquerque's 14 safety camera intersections. Between the first month of operation and July 2011, the city's safety cameras have led to an average reduction in traffic safety reductions of 74%. Click here to see the release.
Read a letter, signed by safety advocates in New Mexico, applauding the Albuquerque City Council for preserving the use of traffic safety cameras in Albuquerque. Click here for the letter, signed by representatives from:   
Take a look at the Traffic Safety Coalition's YouTube Playlist with 15 videos of red light running crashes and near misses from the City of Albuquerque. Click here to see the videos.  Pictured: Crash at the intersection of Eubank and Lomas
June 8, 2011 In this editorial, the Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board applauds City Council members for supporting traffic safety cameras on Albuquerque roadways. June 20, 2011 Once safety cameras were turned off at three Albuquerque intersections, red light running and speeding increased by 584%. Paul Oberhauser, the Traffic Safety Coalition's Co-Chair, said "Red means stop is the most basic traffic safety law we have... The technology deters the reckless driving behavior that puts people like Sarah at risk every day, and the fines associated with the act deter future bad behavior."
|
 |
-
"The [Baker Police Department's] number one goal is safety, the second goal was and still is correcting driver behavior; thirdly, its a force multiplier."Chief Mike Knaps, Baker, Louisiana
-
"We're looking at putting speed cameras in to effectively save lives and reducethe number of speeding offenses in these areas."Gary Leitzell, Mayor of Dayton, Ohio
-
"[The] camera is doing its job, and people are stopping and making the intersection safer, especially for pedestrians that cross at this location."Jay Dalicandro, Village Manager, Elmwood Park, Ill.
-
"Red light running isn't a sport, and people who think traffic lights are only for suckers are the reason we need the cameras." -David Morris, New Orleans
-
It's only ok until someone runs a red light and one of your family members gets killed or maimed... It's not about making money, it's about making people stop for red lights."-Gary Warman, Police Chief, Humble, Texas
-
"It frees up officers to engage in other kinds of public safety efforts because that critical traffic enforcement need is being met more efficiently through technology."John McGinnis, Sheriff, Sacramento County, Cali.
-
"The entire point behind this is to change the behavior of those people going through the intersections so they wont run a red light, so they won't get hurt and so that their vehicles will not be damaged." Mary Jacobs, Asst. City Manager, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Editorial Council Flips Switch on Safety Intersections