So
what does all this data mean? We know
that the red Chevy was traveling at
58 miles per hour (mph) which translates
into 85 feet per second (fps) [5280
feet in one mile / 3600 seconds in one
hour x 58 mph = 85.066 fps]. We also
know that at the time of exposure the
light had been red for 0.9 seconds.
We can therefore conclude that the light
turned red when the vehicle was approximately
76 feet away from the intersection,
well ahead of the limit line [85.066
fps x 0.9 seconds = 76.559 feet]. It’s
important to note that the speed limit
on this street is 45 mph, and this equation
does not take into consideration the
braking time and distance required to
stop at this speed. With an average
coefficient of friction on a dry roadway
of 0.8, it would take about 135 feet
and 3.2 seconds to bring this Chevy
sports utility vehicle to a complete
stop. Also significant, is the driver's
reaction time. The point here is that
running a red light and doing so at
an excessive speed is a dangerous combination
that can result in tragedy. |
|
This
photo shows a black sports car making
a left turn in front of a white truck
that should have stopped for the red
light 1.0 second before this picture
was taken. Look closely and you can
see smoke rising from the truck's tires
as the driver attempts to brake before
impact. What you can’t see is
the large farm tractor that is in tow
behind the truck -- the weight of which
adds to the improbability of avoiding
an impact. |
It’s
important that public safety agencies recognize
that red light enforcement cameras are intended
to promote traffic safety and not to generate
revenue. For example, the cost for this system
in Oxnard is 90% of the city’s normal
revenue from tickets issued directly by officers.
As part of Oxnard's contract with LMIMS-PEG,
the company will:
-
Supply red light cameras
- Install
poles and cabinets to mount the cameras
-
Install roadway detection loops
- Install
warning signs at major entrances to the City
- Distribute
pre-enforcement notices
- Provide
all supplies
- Maintain
all equipment
- Provide
all training to Department staff
- Perform
processing of all phases of the program, up
to and including notices to appear
- Handle
media and community relations, including public
service announcements and presentations to
local groups and schools
- Participate
in community activities
- Provide
expert witness testimony
- Maintain
a toll-free, bilingual service for violators
to call
- Manage
reports and provide statistical studies
|
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