A Washington bill, SB 5610, authorizing the use of traffic safety cameras to detect red-light running, passed the Senate on a 27-to-22 vote. The legislation would allow the use of traffic safety cameras in certain zones to detect stoplight or railroad crossing violations. This year, Washington is one of 16 U.S. states that are considering bills permitting some form of red-light camera use or modify existing laws.
The bill requires that these cameras take pictures of the vehicle and the license plate only, not the driver or passengers in the vehicle. Violators are then sent a notice of traffic infraction based on the camera’s evidence.
The bill has received strong supported from insurance groups, including the National Association of Independent Insurers, as well as a coalition of law enforcement and highway safety advocates. To date, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii and Maryland have passed bills allowing the use of red-light cameras statewide, and an additional six states allow individual communities to use red-light cameras.
According to Michael Harrold, Northwest regional manager for the NAII, studies have indicated that red-light running accounts for nearly one-quarter of all car crashes. He also said that the red-light cameras have proven to be a real deterrent to the practice in states where their use is permitted.
Topics Washington
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Florida Insurer Can’t Object to Appraiser After the Award Is Decided, 11th Circuit Says 
Hard Reinsurance Prices Likely to Last Longer Than in Previous Market Cycles: Report 
Wall Street Firms to Pay $470 Million to Settle With US Regulators Over Texting 
First Street Finds Most Debby-Damaged Homes Outside Flood Zone, Without Coverage 
