Safety cameras save lives according to new study.

http://www.saferarizonaroadsalliance.com/

NEW STUDY CONFIRMS SAFETY CAMERAS SAVE LIVES

Red Light Running Drops 79% in Chandler

Phoenix, AZ, February 1, 2011 – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a study today which shows a 24% reduction in fatalities for cities with safety cameras. This is great news for Arizona, and specifically Chandler, where red light running dropped 79%. In fact, safety cameras would have saved 815 lives across the U.S if installed in cities with a population of 200,000 or more.

“The facts show time and time again that safety cameras save lives,” said Joanna Peters, Executive Director of the Safer Arizona Roads Alliance.

Crash data from 1992-1996 before safety cameras was compared with data from 2004-2008 after installation. Adrian Lund, President for the Institute, complimented the “cities that have the courage to use red light cameras despite the political backlash,” since they are saving lives.

Peters agreed and feels strongly that “our safety is at risk if safety cameras are removed.” This study aims to re-focus our attention on the victims of red light running:

• Deborah Parsons-Mason, a California mother of four who was fatally hit by a red light runner while crossing the street near her home.
• Marcus May-Cook, 3-years-old,  who was sleeping in his car seat when a red light runner ended his life.
• Jacy Good, who was permanently disabled and lost both her parents in a red light running crash just hours after her college graduation

 Peters urges all Arizonans to “Stand Up for Safer Roads” by signing up through SARA’s website for updates and news alerts to gain a better understanding of how policies and laws regarding road safety directly impact the quality of life for all Arizona residents.

ABOUT THE SAFER ARIZONA ROADS ALLIANCE

The Safer Arizona Roads Alliance is a non-profit made up of police officers, firefighters, business leaders, neighborhood activists, and those who have suffered the loss of a loved one at the hands of an unsafe motorist. Their goal is to make driving safer for all Arizonans.