Miami Injury Lawyer Blog
The Florida Legislature continued its debate last week over whether red-light cameras should or should not be allowed in intersections. The debate has been on-going since state lawmakers passed a bill legalizing the installation of red-light cameras on Florida streets two years ago. Thursday, a House committee approved a new bill introduced to ban the red-light cameras by a narrow 10-8 vote, which shows the deep divide and controversy over this issue. A similar bill was introduced last year, but it lacked the support necessary to be passed.
The new bill, sponsored by Miami Democrat Daphne Campbell, has drawn a number of questions, comments, and concerns from fellow lawmakers. State lawmakers, as well as constituents, have raised concerns over Campbell’s motives in introducing the bill. Her husband has racked up five red-light violations since 2010. Campbell argues that her husband’s violations have nothing to do with her interest in the bill and that it is her constituents who have requested that the red-light cameras be banned. She further stated that the only purpose of these cameras is to make money, not to ensure safer intersections. Another representative, Miami Republican Carlos Trujillo, supports Campbell’s efforts and he argues that the red-light cameras are not actually making intersections safer. No similar bill in the Senate has been introduced thus far.
Last year alone, Florida cities and counties made over forty-six million dollars, while the state collected fifty-one million. However, it is up for debate whether the red-light cameras actually made intersections safer for drivers. The state released a report last year of data compiled from seventy-three Florida law enforcement agencies, with forty-one reporting that accidents in their jurisdictions are less frequent at intersections equipped with the red-light cameras. Eleven agencies stated that accidents were more frequent at these intersections and twenty-one agencies claimed that there was no increase or decrease in the number of accidents at intersections after red-light cameras were installed.
Debate over red-light cameras heats up in Tallahassee, www.miamiherald.com February 17, 2013
The clear majority of Florida law enforcement agencies reported data that showed there was a decrease in the number of car accidents at intersections equipped with red-light cameras. Although this issue will be debated for years to come, it is important to agree on the general goal of doing whatever it takes to reduce the number of intersection automobile accidents. These accidents can range from fender benders to head-on crashes and can cause serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has been involved in a serious intersection automobile accident, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable and experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona offer over twenty years of experience helping victims of all kinds of car accidents receive compensation for their injuries. Call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation!
The Miami automobile accident attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls and construction site injuries. Call the Miami personal injury attorneys at (305) 661-2008 for your free consultation. Call today and let our family take care of your family!