City Implementing Red Light Traffic Program
The City of Jackson is implementing a red light traffic safety program to combat red light running incidents.
JACKSON TO IMPROVE ROADWAY SAFETY WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATED RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
PRESS RELEASE
JACKSON, Tenn. - In an effort to improve public safety and curb dangerous driving, the City of Jackson is implementing a red light traffic safety program to combat red light running incidents at some of the City’s most problematic intersections, each identified as a high-accident and high-risk area:
• North Highland at Carriage House Drive/Ridgecrest Road • North Highland at Old Hickory Road
Cameras monitored red light running incidents at these intersections, 30 November 2012 through 31 December 2012 and only warning notices were issued during this warning period. To date there have been 82 warning notices sent to red light runners. As previously released, citations began being mailed to violators starting 01 January 2013. The fine for running a red light is $50.
“This red light enforcement program is a major step towards making our streets safer,” said Chief Gil Kendrick. “In addition to catching violators, the cameras serve as a deterrent to breaking the law. We’re confident we can reduce red light running incidents and prevent crashes over time.”
Crashes resulting from red light running incidents – referred to as right angle or “t-bone” crashes – are considered the most deadly type of auto collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a study in 2011 that found 14 cities operating red light photo enforcement programs between 2004 and 2008 experienced a 24-percent drop in deadly collisions. Had similar programs been operating during that period in all large cities, more than 800 deaths could have been prevented, the analysis found.
The red light camera systems will be provided by Redflex Traffic Systems®, Inc. Each system is equipped with two cameras utilizing radar technology to monitor traffic flow. They are only triggered to capture data of a vehicle if it enters an intersection after the signal turns red. A Jackson Police Department Traffic Officer will review evidence of potential violations, including high-resolution images, and will determine whether a citation is warranted.
“It’s unrealistic to place patrols at these intersections 24/7. This program enables us to free up resources and redirect our officers to other high-priority tasks while still ensuring red light running laws are enforced,” said Chief Kendrick.
Detailed information about the program, including the locations of enforced intersections, will be posted on the City’s website, CityofJackson.net, and is also available by contacting Lt. Ron Adams in the Traffic Division by calling 731.425.8469.
“Red light cameras have been proven to change dangerous driving behaviors around the country. We’re excited the City of Jackson now has the opportunity to reap the benefits of this life-saving technology,” said Chief Kendrick. Kendrick adds that in addition to improving public safety, automated enforcement solutions yield significant cost savings to a community due to fewer property damage claims, lower insurance premiums and reduced medical expenses.
After a competitive bid process, the City of Jackson signed a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems®, a leader in road safety technology. They operate more than 2,000 photo enforcement systems in more than 250 cities throughout the United States and Canada. With continuous development of new safety products, Redflex has been helping to reduce collisions and save lives for the past 25 years. For more information, visit www.redflex.com.