Red Light Cameras Save Lives

Traffic crashes are the single most significant cause of preventable death and injury in North America. In 2007 in the U.S., almost 900 people were killed and an estimated 153,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running. Public costs exceed $14 billion per year, and more than half of the deaths in red light running crashes are other motorists and pedestrians. There is no doubt that red light runners are dangerous drivers who irresponsibly put others at risk. In America’s cities ― where too often the yellow light has come to symbolize “hurry up” instead of “slow down” ― red light running is the leading cause of all urban automobile crashes.

The American public recognizes the problem, is deeply concerned about red light running and supports the use of red light cameras. A nationwide survey sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and conducted by the Gallup Organization found that 75 percent of drivers favored the use of red light cameras. Most Americans (96 percent) are afraid of being hit by a red light runner, but nearly one in five admit to running a red light in the last ten intersections. The leading excuse given for red light running was neither frustration nor road rage; it was “being in a hurry.”

Yet, here in Tennessee it appears that a number of citizens see red light cameras as a “Big Brother ” ploy to take away their rights and a vocal minority of ignorant people are lobbying for laws that prohibit them. How stupid is that? This is a proven technology that saves lives and millions of dollars in insurance claims and some paranoid fools who have nothing better to do, usually citizens who have received tickets for running red lights,  are pressuring spineless self-centered politicians to enact laws that prohibit them. Shame on us.

Check out my web site at www.seriousinjury.com for more information about this subject.

Pedestrian Safety

Each year pedestrian fatalities comprise about 11 percent of all traffic fatalities and there are approximately 4,600 pedestrian deaths. Another 70,000 pedestrians are injured in roadway crashes annually. A pedestrian is defined as any person not in or upon a motor vehicle. On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 113 minutes and injured in a traffic crash every 8 minutes. There were 70,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2007. Most pedestrian fatalities in 2007 occurred in urban areas (73%), at non-intersection locations (77%), in normal weather conditions (90%), and at night (67%). More than two-thirds (70%) of the pedestrians killed in 2007 were males. In 2007, the male pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was 2.19  more than double the rate for females (0.91 per 100,000 population). In 2007, the male pedestrian injury rate per 100,000 population was 26, compared with 20 for females.

As we navigate the sidewalks and roadways on foot we must be particularly careful to keep a watch out for motor vehicles. Of particular importance is safety in parking lots. As we come and go from shopping, whether for groceries or other items, when we are walking in a parking lot we are most vulnerable to being hit by a car.

Witness a recent accident involving a Knox County family. According to an article on the website for  Knoxville TV station WBIR, Brad and Jessica Ingram and their two children were running errands and as they were leaving a shopping center parking lot, Mr. Ingram suffered a seizure and his foot landed on the accelerator. The van he was driving raced forward at full speed directly at a large retail store entrance. At the last second Jessica ingram grabbed the wheel and the vehicle hit a pylon and rolled over trapping the family inside. Fortunately none of the dozens of pedestrians who were in the area were injured. This situation could have turned out badly. It illustrates my main point here and that is that we have to be alert and free from distractions wherever we are.

Fortunately, these same pedestrians who were moments before in dire jeopardy acted quickly to pull the family from the vehicle and all were provided medical treatment and released. Neither of the children, each safely secured in car seats were injured.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Nashville pedestrian/car accident contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies.  We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.