Following the death of a Phoenix Police Officer by a red-light runner, there's a new call for the return of red light cameras at dangerous intersections around Phoenix.
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Not all red light running crashes are deadly, but the one in north Phoenix Monday night was. Phoenix police officer Ginarro New was killed when someone ran a red light at Greenway Road and Cave Creek Road, smashing into the officer's vehicle at a high rate of speed.
Valley mom Barbara Hoffman knows firsthand what New's family must be feeling. A few years ago, Hoffman's 14-year old son Michael was killed by a red light runner in Mesa. "It actually angers me," said Hoffman. "I feel really sad for the family, but it angers me that its still such a problem in our area. I just wish people would see the danger of running red lights. It's going to devastate the family forever."
In an effort to reduce the number of crashes, several cities have installed red light running cameras at dangerous intersections. "Overall, not only are red light running fatalities down, but all other sorts of crashes that occur on these streets are also down," said Triple A Arizona spokesperson Aldo Vasquez.
A couple of years ago, Phoenix police reported a 57-percent decrease in red light running crashes at the 12 intersections where cameras were up and running.
But that didn't stop the Phoenix City Council from voting to turn the cameras off, because of concerns about data, where the cameras were located, and whether they unfairly target lower income communities.
Hoffman says it doesn't make sense. She hopes the tragic death of Officer New Monday night sends a message to city leaders to turn the red light cameras back on. "It may not stop every person from running a red light, but it does hinder, and I think that's important," said Hoffman.
"I believe strongly that red light cameras are an important tool for protecting the people of Phoenix, whether they are pedestrians or in a vehicle," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "I've supported the use of these cameras in the past and will again. You can expect to see the issue return to a council subcommittee agenda this Fall."
Phoenix city council member Sal Diciccio released this statement:
The Link LonkThe death of Officer New is a terrible tragedy. The only proven way to reduce drunk driving is through more enforcement- more cops on our streets. Using this tragic and senseless event to promote traffic cams that would have done nothing to prevent it is despicable.
June 02, 2021 at 07:09AM
https://www.azfamily.com/news/death-of-phoenix-officer-sparks-new-call-for-return-of-red-light-cameras/article_ca2ec5d2-c336-11eb-850f-ef971259909c.html
Death of Phoenix officer sparks new call for return of red light cameras - AZFamily
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
No comments:
Post a Comment