Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

When red light cameras were initially installed in the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, and Miami, the purpose of the program was to cut down on the number of car accidents and to provide incentive for motorists to be more cautious. However, due to the controversy over the use of these cameras, the city of Davie is considering canceling its red light camera program, scheduled to start on August 20, 2011.

What's so controversial about red light cameras? Some research has shown that red light cameras lead to more accidents than they prevent. In fact, according to a University of South Florida College of Public Health study from 2008, red light cameras cause drivers to suddenly stop at intersections where these cameras are installed, leading to a greater number of accidents. The study also highlights that red light cameras lead to higher car insurance premiums.

However, those in support of the cameras argue that they help reduce dangerous car accidents and injuries. Coral Springs recently began its red light camera program. On the city's website, coralsprings.org, the Federal Highway Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are cited as sources in studies showing the benefits of red light cameras.

But perhaps the most important factor in a city's decision to install red light cameras has to do with money. Opponents of red light cameras in Davie say that the amount of money collected in fines won't be enough to cover the cost to run the cameras --$76,000 a month.

Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale may also end the use of red light cameras due to unforeseeable legal and court costs.