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Archive for March, 2009

Red-light Camera Coming to Orange County

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

While there is still dispute on whether red-light cameras cause more auto accidents than they prevent, Orange County commissioners are expected to vote today to install red-light cameras at “high risk intersections” throughout the county.

But don’t expect to receive your $150 ticket in the mail unless you run a red-light inside the inside city limits of those cities that are issuing tickets from their own cameras.  County Mayor Rich Crotty said he wants to avoid potential lawsuits adn will wait until the cameras are authorized by state law.

The City of Orlando installed their cameras in September last year and cited over 1,100 drivers in just 2 weeks.  One would hope that by September of this year the City will perform an audit of accidents at these intersections to see what the impact really is.  We know they’re issuing tickets, but are there also more rear-collision accidents because of them as the opponents say there will be?  Or have they really reduced the number of red-light runners? 

 

 

Pedestrian Heading to School Hit in Crosswalk

Friday, March 20th, 2009

An Orlando auto accident involving a pedestrian and a Lexus closed part of Michigan Street this morning.  A young teen was crossing Michigan in the crosswalk but was crossing against the green light.   Luckily, her injuries were reported as non-life theatening.

According to FHP, the driver will not be cited for striking the teen with the vehicle.  But do you know why?  Do you know the law when it comes to pedestrians crossing in crosswalks?

Florida law provides many protections for pedestrians, but pedestrians are bound by traffic regulations as well.  According to Florida Law -

Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in s. 316.0755, pedestrians facing a steady red signal shall not enter the roadway.

We may not know the specifics of this accident, but if this teen has non-life theatening injuries, she is very lucky.  Any accident with car versus pedestrian usually has a very bad outcome.  Even if we do have the right of way, as drivers we must be wary that people standing at the edge of the street might just decide to step in front of you and proceed with caution, particularly if you are near a school.

NTSB Focuses on Fatigue-Related Accidents

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

In conjunction with National Sleep Awareness Week last week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has once again issued its commitment to improving highway safety by eliminating fatique-related auto, truck, bus and airline accidents.

According to NTSB Board Member Deborah Hersman,

“Fatigue in transportation presents unnecessary risks to the traveling public. Fatigue can impair a person behind the wheel or at the helm much like alcohol or other drugs. We must ensure that as much as possible is being done to protect our transportation system from the insidious effect of human fatigue.”

For a long time now the NTSB has included fatique and hours-of-service on their Most Wanted List of highway safety improvements.  It is the intent of the Board to continue to work with all members of the transportation industry to study the effects of fatique, rest requirements and driver alertness to prevent future injuries and death.