Florez: If Elected, I'll Propose Red-Light Safety Cameras

Earlier this year, two people were struck and killed crossing the crosswalk here in Newport. It’s no secret that when it comes to adhering to traffic laws, our community falls short. Law enforcement does not have the tools to enforce traffic safety laws. According to Newport This Week, as of August 21, 2014, a mere 34 tickets have been issued this year for failure to obey a stop sign, while only 11 tickets were issued for failure to yield the right of way in a crosswalk.

As a member of the City Council, I will propose the broad implementation of red-light safety cameras. Several years ago, a study conducted by John Duhnam & Associates prepared for American Traffic Solutions found that through the implementation of safety cameras, a community like ours can see significant cost savings and revenue generation from these cameras. Here’s how it happens: it’s important to understand that each traffic accident exacts its own financial cost on vehicle owners, their families, and the community at large. When you take into account vehicle removal, police involvement, E.M.T. services, legal costs, car repairs, and medical services, the financial burden to all involved parties becomes significant. Separate research by the Federal Highway Administration has determined that a single injury-related accident (not involving any fatalities) costs taxpayers between $500,000 and $540,000, while a fatal car crash will cost a community between $5 million and $5.4 million. These findings were further reinforced by a study conducted for AAA which found that fatal car crashes cost communities about $6 million.

The implementation of cameras will have immediate monetary impact. But research shows there are also considerable preventive advantages that these cameras would provide to our community. John Duhnam & Associates estimates that just one camera would save the City of Newport $151,790 in just one year, while ten cameras placed in the most problematic areas would yield more than a million and a half dollars per year in savings. It’s also important to note that the up front cost of the cameras would be covered by the private companies that perform the implementation. In order for this program to achieve its full potential, it should also be accompanied by a very aggressive marketing campaign that promotes safety awareness. This initiative will provide Newport with measurable cost benefits, but more importantly, it will vastly improve the quality of life of this great city! To learn more about my candidacy and positions on various issues, please visit my website at www.johnflorez.com

John Florez

Candidate for Councilor-at-Large