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Whenever a collision occurs, the individuals involved might sustain serious injuries and/or extensive damage to their automobiles. That said, lawmakers are constantly looking for ways to make the roadways as safe as possible. As part of that effort, some states (including Florida), have decided to install red light cameras at various troublesome intersections throughout the state.

Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys like Randall Spivey know firsthand that motor vehicle accidents occurring at intersections or elsewhere on state highways can leave accident victims with costly medical bills, lost wages and pain that could last anywhere from a few months to a few years or longer. However, with the help of concerned lawmakers and citizens, steps are being taken to help ensure the safety of everyone traveling, whether by car or by foot.

Statistics Show Collisions at Red Lights Are on the Decline

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) released its latest Red-Light Camera Summary Report for FY 2013/2014, which took a deeper look at the data received from police agencies throughout areas in Florida where red light cameras have been installed. According to the report, it appears that red light camera usage throughout the state has led to a decrease not only in red light running violations, but collisions as well.

The main purpose for using the safety cameras is to improve driver safety, and based on the report, the 14-percent decrease in total violations from the previous year shows the devices to be effective law enforcement tools. Cameras at red lights can help to change a driver’s behavior, which ultimately leads to reduced violations and accidents.

Florida is one of the most dangerous states with respect to red-light running deaths, but the report provided a number of examples of how red light cameras are working throughout the state. For instance, since the red-light safety camera program started in Orange Park, there have been no sideswipe crashes.

In Coral Springs, collisions resulting in injuries decreased significantly -- more than 20 percent at the locations in which red-light cameras were placed. Miami and Miami Gardens both reported a reduction in sideswipe collisions by 28 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

Of the jurisdictions asked to provide information to the DHSMV regarding red light safety, well over half of them noted an improvement in drivers’ overall behavior, a reduction in the amount of violations issued, an improvement in the severity of collisions and better public awareness overall.

Red Light Cameras Help in Other Ways Too

Almost all of those who took part in the DHSMV’s analysis also reported using the cameras to obtain footage that could be used to investigate other types of crimes. In addition to providing evidence of crashes, camera images have been used to assist law enforcement officers in Polk County catch cattle rustlers, officers in Palm Coast catch a hit-and-run driver and authorities in Surfside apprehend a rapist.

Part of all the fines issued through the camera program goes to trauma centers and research into spine and brain injuries. In fact, over $17 million has been distributed amongst 22 trauma centers in Florida that treat accident victims, as well as those injured in other types of incidents. If you or someone you love has sustained injuries due to someone running a red light or for some other reason, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible.