STOP! Red Light Running! Coalition of Florida
The Petition
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Highway Administration, over 1.8 million intersection crashes occur nationwide each year, and in 2003 about 206,000 were due to red light running - resulting in 934 deaths and approximately 176,000 injuries; and
WHEREAS, red light running costs the public an estimated $7 billion per year in lost wages, medical bills and damages; and
WHEREAS, every day, thousands of motorists run red lights in Florida, recklessly endangering their lives and the lives of other motorists and pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, according to the Florida State Highway Patrol, over 300,000 motorists are ticketed for running red lights in Florida every year, and in 2003 red light runners caused 8,000 crashes resulting in 115 deaths, 13,000 injuries and $77 million in damage; and
WHEREAS, crashes caused by drivers who run red lights can have the same result as crashes caused by drunk drivers serious injury or death leaving victims with severe long-term physical and emotional scars; and
WHEREAS, red light running is often a result of aggressive driving and the time saved by avoiding a red light an average of 47 seconds is not worth the potential cost in human lives; and
WHEREAS, the use of automated photo enforcement systems has proven to be an effective deterrent to red light running, and is supported by the Florida Insurance Council, Florida League of Cities, Federal Highway Administration, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and other local, state and national agencies, and whereby the State of Florida is urged to allow the implementation of these systems to increase traffic safety across our state.
WHEREAS, we realize safety is a shared responsibility, which drivers must also shoulder by making smart decisions on the road;
NOW, THEREFORE, I do hereby fully support the STOP Red Light Running! Coalition and urge all Florida citizens and legislators to renew their commitment to traffic safety and do all they can to stop red light running.
This petition will be mailed (in snail and e format) to the Florida State Legislature. If you support our efforts to stop red light running to all, please add your signature below.
