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