Florida Communities Shorten Yellow Light Lengths

According to a series of news agencies, lawmakers in Florida decided to change the rules when it comes to traffic signals in order to make the length of yellow lights shorter than what federal standards recommend.

The reports indicate that after the period in which the signals keep the yellow lights on was shortened, communities in Florida were able to collect over $100 million in revenue with red light cameras installed at multiple intersections across the state.

According to the investigators looking into this story, the fact that the period in which the yellow light is on, makes drivers more likely to blow the red light, increasing the revenue due to the increased number of tickets. Several safety advocates have been concerned about these shortened lengths because they believe that the fact these lights don’t stay on yellow as long as previously, increases the risk of accidents. According to some researchers, a half-second reduction could double the number of red light camera citations. The light rules changed in 2011, according to reports. During the same years, over 70 Florida communities saw a significant increase in the number of RLC citations. About $100 million in revenue was generated in 2012 as a result. Half of that revenue goes to the state.

Some believe that the changes were applied deliberately because of the potential increase in revenue that the change in signal and light lengths would create. Some are still unsure of what to think.

According to the reports, the National Motorists Association believes this change should have not occurred. They advocate for drivers and it’s currently campaigning against the use of red light cameras. The motif behind the campaign is simple: the organization believes that the red light camera victimizes otherwise safe and responsible drivers.

To learn more about this story, watch the video below or click here for the full article.