http://www.dnj.com/article/20090726/OPINION02/907260313/1015/SHIRLEY++Red+light+cameras+aren+t+the+problem

It’s not the number of accidents that affects the safety argument but the severity of them. I think any reduction in side impacts outweighs the modest increase in rear end impacts.

Adjusting the yellow light timing merits consideration. But at what point do you draw the line. Increasing the yellow light by one second may decrease accidents by 40%, but I bet increasing the yellow light by 5 seconds (note the exageration) would decrease accidents even more. Why doesn’t someone suggest this?

Maybe because, at some point, the responsibility lies with the driver to pay attention. I’ve never received a red light ticket because I’m aware of my surroundings. If the light ahead has been green for a long time and the traffic pattern is such (no traffic in my lane(s) while perpendicular lanes have lots of vehicles) I anticipate that the light may change before I get there and I therefore start to slow down or at least prepare for a decision in the “Dilemma Zone”. It’s no longer a “split second” decision if I’ve prepared for it in the preceding two seconds.

Basically, the drivers who are ticketed at red light cameras have no one to blame but themselves. Stop speeding. Stop tailgating. Hang up your phone. Change your radio after you come to a stop. Eat before getting in the car. Pay attention to the road around you. And don’t forget to pay those fines quickly.