On May 9th 2013, Paradise News received a Letter from the Editor addressing new Red Light legislation that would limit the fine for Red Light Camera Violations across the state of Florida to just under $250. The legislation also created a new system for violators to contest the violations and received their fair hearing in court. We applaud the effort of our State’s legislative branch to address the issue of excessive fines, however, it is equally important that they address the standardization and safety of existing yellow light timing.
Local communities, including South Pasadena, have been identified by online news sources and recognized by locals as having shorter Yellow Light times than surrounding areas and safety regulations dictate. Channel 10 News found that South Pasadena had garnered $2 million in fines during 2012 with a yellow light time of 3.6 seconds, instead of the FDOT’s suggested safe 5-second interval. This shortening creates several difficulties for drivers including:
-Inconsistent expectations of stopping times
-Abrupt Braking
-Unsafe amount of time to react to a changing light (This problem is especially troubling giving the aging population of our area.)
When it comes to inconsistent stopping times, the trouble is clear. Coming out of St. Pete Beach you are going to expect certain yellow light lengths given the numerous lights you hit along Gulf Blvd. Once you hit South Pasadena, however, that length will change and if you (or the driver behind you) do not change your behavior there is going to be a problem. The City of South Pasadena has profited dramatically from their yellow light times and the addition of Red Light Cameras. As many locals know about these notoriously short yellow lights, however, they may account for the change in the yellow light time and hit those brake a little harder than the person coming up behind them was expecting. BOOM! The tourist, unaware of our unique traffic signal system, expects a longer yellow light than the local in front of them.
The other unfortunate circumstance is that the length of the yellow light simply does not give drivers ample amount of time to stop. Drivers need enough time to slowly come to a full stop before the light turns red. With an aging population, some of our local drivers, snow birds or even just your average distracted driver, it is even more important that our yellow lights accommodate safe stopping.
We must remind our local officials that as a community fines are not our main concern when it comes to driving. Traffic Safety is our priority. Drivers should not have to choose between a fine and being rear-ended. Longer, more consistent yellow lights across Pinellas County and across the state of Florida will facilitate safe driving for all. Fines should be used to discourage unsafe driving practices not raise funds for local governments. If you would like to encourage your local or state official to redress their priorities when it comes to red light cameras, please visit our Florida Officials page here.
For more information on the Federal Highway Administration’s suggestions for Making Intersections Safer visit their website here.
Date: May 2013