Republicans are one step closer to accomplishing their goal to deactivate red light cameras at Texas intersections. A group of Republican lawmakers have attempted to unplug these cameras for years, but they recently received traction on this goal as a House bill was tentatively passed that would prohibit cities from operating these devices.
How do Red-Light Cameras Work?
Red-light cameras are installed around busy intersections across the state. They snap a photo of a driver’s license plate once the driver runs a red light. The owner of the vehicle then gets a ticket mailed to him or her with a payment due date.
Purpose of Red-Light Cameras
According to the opposition, red-light cameras help to reduce fatal accidents that are caused by driving running red lights. Additionally, the $75 fine goes to fund trauma care centers and local governments. In 2017, $18.3 million from red-light camera fines that were collected went to fund the state’s trauma care.
The cameras are also aimed at reducing the number of “T-bone” accidents that occur when someone turns left after a red light into oncoming traffic. A Texas Transportation Institute study found that red-light related car accidents decreased by 25% after a red-light camera was installed. Additionally, right-angle collisions were reduced by nearly one-third. The assistant director for the Transportation Management Division of Fort Worth reported that car accidents at intersections that had these cameras had decreased by 59%. Additionally, she reported that 83% of people who received a red-light ticket never received another, which she believed showed that the cameras motivate drivers not to run red lights. She advocated for maintaining the red lights, believing that elimination of the program would harm public safety.
Another advocate for keeping the program was the executive manager of the transportation department in Dallas. He said that the city had achieved major improvements since the red-light cameras were installed. In the city, most of these cameras were installed in or near school zones.
Arguments Against Red-Light Cameras
Not surprisingly, those who are fined because of red light cameras do not like having to pay the fine. Lawmakers also argue that the cameras are unconstitutional because they deprive a person of due process rights. They assume the person is guilty and do not allow an accused person the right to confront his or her accuser. A 2004 Texas Transportation Institute study found that most tickets that arise from these cameras are due to the first few seconds after the light has changed color.
Others argue that the cameras do not actually improve safety and may even increase rear-end collisions.
Status of Bill
House Bill 1631 was the first bill introduced by its author to clear the lower chamber. It tentatively passed in a vote of 108 to 35. A companion version of the bill is making its way through the senate. Even though city officials and local police officers objected to the passage of the bill, it met the preliminary vote for now.
However, there may be amendments that are implemented to the bill. One amendment would allow local governments to continue operating the red-light cameras until their current contracts with the providers expire. Additionally, the bill’s fiscal note explained that the ban on these cameras would reduce trauma center funding by $28 million in the next two years. The current rendition of the bill does not theorize on how the budget cut would ultimately be resolved.
Legal Assistance for Red-Light Accident Victims
Many drivers, passengers and pedestrians are seriously injured when motorists recklessly run red lights. Because the motorist is traveling at a higher speed, the accident is often more serious. If you were injured in an accident caused by another motorist running a red light, it is important that you take quick action to protect the value of your claim. You will likely have expensive medical bills, lost wages and other losses stemming from your accident. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can discuss your rights and legal options during a free case consultation.
