Seeing Red at Intersections
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Del Quentin Wilber and Derek Willis did a great job on "D.C. Red-Light Cameras Fail to Reduce Accidents" [front page, Oct. 4].
They used facts and experts in their study, not emotion and speculation, and concluded that red-light cameras have not reduced the number of accidents at intersections. In fact, accidents have increased. It would be nice to see a similar study regarding speed cameras.
Other published reports in recent months reveal that millions of people get red-light and speed-camera tickets in error. Most recently a city in California was forced to refund more than $1 million to drivers because of
errors.
These cameras are nothing more than revenue-collection devices. They are not accurate, and they are not effective in reducing accidents.
DAVID M. BRESNAHAN
Alexandria
ยท
A few dozen red-light cameras installed in the District cannot be expected to correct a half-century of red-light-running permissiveness. Drivers do not change their unsafe habits overnight. Aggressive drivers even may take more chances when first confronted with a few red-light cameras -- they have been conditioned to think that they can beat the system.
We need more -- not fewer -- red-light cameras in the region. Drivers must be taught that the probability is high that unsafe conduct will result in severe penalties.
Maybe then, pedestrians can take back the streets and walk safely across intersections. I am fed up with dodging drivers as I try to cross streets -- drivers who are in too much of a rush to slow down for people, who are on cell phones or who are otherwise not paying attention.
BILL MICHIE
Rockville
