By The New Jersey Traffic Safety Coalition
The Traffic Safety Coalition (TSC) has released a new report, titled State of Safety Cameras in New Jersey, highlighting New Jersey’s traffic safety camera program and existing data and the impact cameras have on drivers’ behavior in the state, as part of a statewide campaign called “Safe Jersey Roadways” (www.SafeJerseyRoads.com) to educate about the positive impact cameras have on traffic safety.
More than 500 people are killed on New Jersey roadways every year – more than one person every day. In 2010, a total of 139 victims were innocent pedestrians, leading New Jersey to have the 15th highest pedestrian fatality rate per capita in the U.S.
In 2009, New Jersey launched a traffic safety camera pilot program to increase safety at some of the state’s most dangerous intersections. As of today, 25 communities are using the lifesaving technology and more than 35 additional communities have applied to the Department of Transportation seeking approval to launch traffic safety camera programs at their intersections.
Data included in the report from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and New Jersey communities shows communities throughout the state have successfully used traffic safety cameras to reduce crashes and make roadways safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.
A review of publicly available data shows significant reductions in crashes at intersections where cameras are being used.
Newark: 42 percent reduction in right-angle crashes and a nearly 25 percent reduction in rear-end crashes.
Glassboro Borough: 33 percent reduction in total crashes, 100 percent reduction in right-angle crashes, and 43 percent reduction in injury-related crashes.
Linden: 33 percent reduction in right-angle crashes and 80 percent reduction in front-end crashes.
Brick Township: 29 percent reduction in total injury-related crashes.
“New Jersey’s traffic safety camera program is working and I applaud cities and their residents for taking the necessary action to keep city roads safe,” said Traffic Safety Coalition Co-Chair Paul Oberhauser, whose daughter was tragically killed by a red light runner in 2002. “We all know red light running is dangerous, but too often think it doesn’t happen in our neighborhood. Red light running can have a tragic impact on families and drivers need to always obey the law and stop on red. When they don’t, they should get a ticket.”
The full report can be found on the Traffic Safety Coalition’s Safe Jersey Roads campaign website at www.SafeJerseyRoads.com.
The New Jersey Traffic Safety Coalition is a not-for-profit grassroots organization comprised of concerned citizens, traffic safety experts, law enforcement, public officials, victims’ advocates, health care professionals and industry leaders who are committed to working together to make our roads safer for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
