Orlando Television Station Debunks Red Light Camera Myths

Despite well-documented studies that illustrate how red light cameras reduce accidents, injuries and deaths caused by drivers who disobey traffic signals, a great deal of misinformation persists about these safety devices. That is why James O. Cunningham and other Orlando car accident attorneys are happy that a local television station has taken steps to debunk some of this misinformation. Orlando station WFTV recently investigated two of the more common myths about red light cameras and their effectiveness and aired their results during newscasts.

The red light camera myths they investigated include the following:

1. Municipalities that install red light cameras reduce the timing of yellow lights to increase tickets and revenue.
   WFTV documented yellow light time intervals at red light camera intersections in five Central Florida cities (Orlando, Apopka, Orange County, Winter Park and Daytona Beach) and found that all of the yellow light times either matched or came within one-tenth of one second of meeting the Florida standard for yellow light duration.
2. Installing red light cameras increases the frequency of rear-end accidents at those intersections.
   WFTV investigators then studied accident reports from intersections equipped with red light cameras in four different communities and found that rear-end accidents did not increase at any such intersection in any of the cities. In fact, rear-end accidents at intersections equipped with red light cameras actually decreased at each of the intersection. The station found that rear-end accidents declined 57 percent in Orange County, 30 percent in Daytona Beach, 21 percent in Apopka and 15 percent in the Orlando metropolitan area.

WFTV also found that red light tickets are down 22 percent in Orange County since red light cameras were installed, proving that these devices are effective at changing the behavior of drivers.

While red light cameras and stepped up enforcement has made Central Florida roadways a bit safer, much work remains to be done. Many drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists are struck and injured and killed by negligent drivers who run red lights each day in and around the Orlando area. When this occurs, victims and their families need and deserve effective and experienced legal representation to help them through this profoundly difficult period of their lives. Many choose James O. Cunningham for his work ethic, attention to detail, outstanding client service and support and proven record of success. Call him today at 386-243-4994 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.