Statement From National Coalition For Safer Roads: New Jersey Red-light Running Fatalities On The Rise

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New Jersey has seen a rise of 87.5% in fatal traffic accidents involving a red-light runner from 2008 to 2010. In the past month alone, three fatalities resulted from a reckless driver running a red light in Freehold Township, East Brunswick and Pohatcong.

"There is a major problem on New Jersey's roadways and it needs to be addressed," said David Kelly, President and Executive Director of the National Coalition for Safer Roads. "The solution starts with tackling the root of the problem – driver behavior. Safety cameras do just that by making drivers more aware on the roadway as they approach intersections where many fatal crashes occur."

Nationwide, fatal crashes involving a red-light runner are decreasing while New Jersey fatalities continue to rise. From 2006 – 2010 there were 66 fatalities from red-light running crashes alone.

These shocking statistics don't just impact drivers on the roadways –New Jersey's cyclists and pedestrians who share the roads are at risk as well. In Newark alone, an estimated 500 pedestrians are struck by a car every year.

A poll conducted in 2011 found that 77% of New Jersey residents support the use of red-light safety cameras at busy intersections. Communities throughout the state that currently have safety camera programs in place have seen a decrease in accidents. The New Jersey Department of Transportation released data that showed crashes decreased 45% at intersections with cameras and the overall cost of these crashes was reduced by an estimated $14,000 per crash.

The numbers are proof that there is a huge issue on New Jersey's roadways when it comes to red-light running. This needs to be addressed to ensure optimal safety for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians sharing New Jersey's roadways.

NCSR was organized as an industry trade association with the express purpose of advocating on behalf of the traffic safety technology industry. NCSR is proud to advocate for the use of red light safety cameras in more than 600 communities across the country to change reckless driver behavior, stop red-light running and save lives. NCSR is supported by American Traffic Solutions, with coalition partners including the National Safety Council; Safe Kids USA; Child Safety Network; National Organizations for Youth Safety; America Walks; and Red Means Stop, as well as numerous police departments, medical professionals, safety advocates, industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens. View NCSR Partners. For more information, visit http://www.NCSRsafety.org/, follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA.

SOURCE National Coalition for Safer Roads