There is No argument – “Red Light Runners” injure and kill! Our emergency agencies respond to these collisions almost everyday!

What’s the big deal about “red light running”? Take a tragic look at a red light runner – This was sent over the internet, it’s a dramatic crash, caught on photo enforcement, involving a red light runner striking a vehicle that inturns rolls over a pedestrian “walking” against a red light – warning – it is shocking, read the story and scroll down and hopefully you can open the video: Dayton, Ohio Red Light Runner Crash

Click on and see: National Campaign To Stop Red Light Running!

• FACT: Of the 6 Million Plus Crashes Each Year In The U.S. – over 40%of the most “serious injury – fatal crashes” occur at intersections…most often caused by Red Light Runners! You see the people who make it through the RED – WE, as emergency agencies, see and transport the people Who Don’t Make It! (See the numerous examples below.)
• FACT: It’s not photo enforcement systems making big money for the government agencies that use them – it’s the law breakers-the red light runners who generate that money. There’s a great way to beat a photo enforcement ticket and this system? It’s “very” easy, just follow the laws made for our safety and don’t run RED lights – we all win in saving money, but more important in “saving lives”! Don’t run red lights and the cameras will no longer be needed. What a concept!

The City of El Cajon City was the first city in San Diego County to issue photo enforcement tickets. It began in October of 1996, with the first ticket issued in December of 96′. The new system with added cameras, a rear camera shot and a streaming video camera, started in June 2002. This system has been very successful in El Cajon.

Example: At the intersection of Broadway and Mollision, a 3 year study before and after the cameras were added, showed an 86% reduction in traffic collisions at this intersection alone. We credit the success to the joint efforts of Police and city engineers in working together in the planning and operation of this life saving system.

• National Red Light Running Campaign
• More information on red light running
• Check out Arizona’s System: Arizona’s Photo Enforcement Campaign
• San Diego Police info

A big “THANK YOU” to San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy and the City Council who voted on 9/17/02, and again on 11/25/02, to reinstate the Red Light Photo Enforcement System for San Diego streets. And congratulations to the other cities around the county who care about safety and will be adding this system to their streets!

What you may not be aware of, while the cameras were turned off, San Diego Police reported a dramatic increase in overall collisions on San Diego streets. On a personal note: There were times “I” had to wait for as many as a dozen vehicles running the red before it was safe for me to proceed on a “green”. Obviously these drivers knew the cameras were turned off and knew they were getting away with this behavior. Thus the term – “Getting away with murder”.

Also be advised the fines have gone up from $271 to $321-$341 for running a red light. (Fines will depend on the city and the judge.) Most fines for a moving violation are over $300, but costs for serious injuries-especially someone paralyzed, can rise over a million dollars in the first couple of years…a funeral around $6,000. Best way to beat any ticket – injuring – killing? Don’t break the laws made for our safety! You’re safer – we’re safer!!!

Remember…whether you’re for or against this system – this “PHOTO” system may some day come to your rescue in deciding “who was at fault” in your collision. Yes- these cameras have caught crashes as they happen. These pictures taken speak for the innocent, those injured or worse “killed” – at these intersections!

Remember, don’t blame the officer who may stop you when “you choose” to break the law. Feel very fortunate if you’ve avoided injury and death by getting a ticket instead.

Also remember, as noted earlier, if you “don’t run red lights” – no fines – no crashes – no injuries – no deaths…and the photo enforcement system goes away”…it’s that simple!

Note: I base my feelings on fact – (see the examples below) my facts come from both professional and personal experience, especially during my previous 18 year career as a traffic reporter and traffic researcher. Almost daily I reported on these types of crashes. When driving, just by being alert behind the wheel, I’ve avoided being hit by “red light runners” numerous times. I also happen to be someone who truly cares about everyone’s safety…and I know, by your emails, I’m not alone!>

Note: Despite the facts…there are those who do not agree with me in the importance of obeying laws, and supporting “Photo enforcement”. But, I do respect your right to disagree. In this country we have a right to free speech…but not through threats or obscentities. I’m trying to stop future deaths and injuries caused by red light (or stop sign) runners. It happens more than you realize.

The following crashes involve “Red Light Runners” – Then you’ll see why I’m passionate about this issue and about safety:

The following are facts – not fiction…

Date: 12/20/05 2149 (9:49 p.m.) – Location: FRIARS RD / FRAZEE RD, MISSION VALLEY WEST

Type: SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT
Synopsis: A female driving a Toyota Camry was at the stoplight E/B Friars Rd. in the left hand turn lane to N/B 163. The light turn green and she proceeded into the intersection and was struck by a male, 20 years old, driving a Ford Explorer W/B Friars Rd while running the red light. Nine people from the two vehicles were transported to local hospitals. A sig-alert was issued for traffic congestion in the area. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

10/01/05 at 2016 (8:16pm)

Location: I-805 N/B OF RA / IMPERIAL AVE., LINCOLN PARK

Type: SERIOUS INJURY CRASH

Synopsis:
P-1, a mini van, failed to stop for a red light while on the exit ramp. The van struck the curb of the ramp and continued into the intersection striking two E/B cars on Imperial Avenue. An 11-year-old girl was in the back seat of the van with no seatbelt. She suffered a broken right femur when she was thrown to the floor upon impact. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Traffic Division is handling.

This “red light runner” was a bicyclist…it was a fatal mistake:

06/19/05 2213 – (10:13pm)

Location: MIRA MESA BL & REAGAN RD, MIRA MESA

Type: FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Synopsis: A bicyclist riding south on Reagan Rd was struck and killed by a vehicle driving east on Mira Mesa Bl. Witnesses reported that the bicyclist ran a red light before entering the intersection. The bicyclist was a male in his 30’s. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

• Teacher Late For School Kills Motorcyclist – Driver Ran Red LightPOSTED: 11:09 am PDT September 21, 2004

  SAN DIEGO — San Diego police said a teacher who was running late for school killed a motorcyclist on Tuesday morning.

  Police said Kent Johnson, 57, was headed north on Kearny Villa Road about 7:40 a.m., using a bicycle lane to pass vehicles, when he veered left onto Miramar Road near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. His Pontiac sedan struck the eastbound motorcycle, according to San Diego police.

  Randy Sanchez, 37, of Mira Mesa died at the scene, a coroner’s investigator said. Police said the biker had a green light when Johnson’s vehicle hit him.

  Officers arrested the teacher on suspicion of felony gross vehicular manslaughter. San Diego police spokesman David Cohen said that the teacher told officers that he ran the light because he was late for school. He was not hurt in the crash.

  Detectives closed lanes at the intersection for the rest of the morning to conduct their investigation.
  2004 by NBCSandiego.com

• Date: July 2, 2004 – 11:41am
  Location: 3800 CARMEL MTN
  Synopsis: A Mercedes-Benz was going E/B on Carmel Mtn Rd. A Ford F-150 was going N/B on Vista Sorrento Pkwy. The Mercedes ran a red light. The Ford struck the Mercedes and force of the impact pushed the Mercedes into a tree. The driver of the Mercedes had to be extricated from his vehicle. The driver was transported to a hospital for a fracture pelvis. Traffic handled.
• July 1, 2004 – 5:56pm
  Location: 30th & Market Street
  Synopsis: The victim was driving his car S/B on 30th Street, when a white Explorer drove through a red light at Market Street and hit the victim’s car. The driver of the Explorer kept driving and made a right turn on to Island Street. At Island and 26th Street, three occupants of the Explorer exited the vehicle and rushed the victim, stabbing him in the neck. They then drove off in an unknown direction. The victim tried to follow the suspects, but crashed into a parked car. Officers later stopped the suspects at Sicard and Irving and took all three suspects into custody.
• May 6, 2004 – 3:24am
  Location: 1424 Continetal Street, Otay Mesa
  Type: Vehicle Collision w/Injuries
  Synopsis: A moving truck was making a left turn on to S/B Cactus from W/B 905, when a semi-truck driving E/B on 905 drove through a red light at Cactus smashing into the moving van. The driver of the moving truck was extracted out of the truck and transported to the hospital via Life Flight with internal injuries. The other driver was also taken to the hospital.
• May 5, 2004 – 3:25pm
  Location: 7814 Caminto Santa Luz, Black Mt. Ranch
  Type: Vehicle Collision With Injuries
  Synopsis: A driver of a pick-up truck was N/B on Camino Del Sur and failed to stop for a red signal light. A car driving W/B on Caminito Santaluz was making a left turn on to Camino Del Sur and was broadside. The driver of the car has a fractured pelvis and was taken to the hospital.
• May 1, 2004 – 3:18pm
  Imperial Ave. at Valencia Park, Neighborhood: Valencia Park
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-2, a 24-25 year old male was driving a 1993 Toyota sedan westbound Imperial. He had the green light, as he turned southbound on Valencia. P-1, a 22-year-old male was also driving a 1993 Toyota sedan drove eastbound on Imperial through a red light and struck P-2. Several people in both vehicles were transported to two local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The driver of P-1 possibly has internal injuries.
• May 1, 2004 – 11:25pm
  Location: Lincoln Avenue at Washington Street, University Heights
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: Yellow Cab #59 was S/B on Lincoln Ave approaching a green light at Washington Ave. A Suzuki motorcycle with two people on it was W/B on Washington Ave. It (the motorcyclist) ran the right light at Lincoln and ran into the Yellow Cab. The driver suffered a fractured pelvis and serious head injuries. The passenger had minor injuries. The cab driver was not hurt. Traffic Division is handling.
• April 19, 2004 – 7:30am
  La Jolla Village and Genesee, University City
  Type: Serious Injury/Bike Collision
  Synopsis: A 43 yr old male rode his bicycle against the red signal N/B Genesee and into the path of a Toyota traveling W/B La Jolla Village. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with multiple fractures. Traffic is investigating.
• Location: 6949 Genesee Avenue, University City
  Type: Serious Injury Crash
  Synopsis: A male in his 50′s, driving a Volvo station wagon was making a left hand from the parking lot at University High School to southbound Genesse Ave. An 83 year old female driving a Toyota station wagon failed to stop at the red light and struck the Volvo station wagon. Both parties were transported to local hospitals with internal injuries. Traffic Division is handling.
• March 29, 2004, at 6:04pm
  Location: Del Mar Heights Rd/El Camino Real, Carmel Valley
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 17yr old male driving a BMW was traveling southbound on El Camino Real and failed to stop at the red light at Del Mar Heights Rd. The BMW made a right turn onto Del Mar Heights Rd and struck a motorcycle being driven by an 18 yr old male. The motorcycle driver suffered a broken femur and a broken hip and was transported to a local hospital.

Red light runners are not always just a sober driver ignoring laws:
Here is one example of a local news story of a “red light runner” you may have missed:

• San Diego Police Arrest Suspect In Downtown DUI CrashJuly 6. 2003 – San Diego police said that a man suspected of running a red light and broadsiding another vehicle, injuring three people, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol Sunday.

  The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., two blocks from a police station at 13th and Market streets, San Diego police acting Lt. Rodney Vandiver said. According to Vandiver, Tobin White, 30, allegedly ran a red light at the intersection and his vehicle broadsided another vehicle. A woman in the other vehicle suffered a broken shoulder, and two other people were slightly injured. Vandiver said White’s vehicle then struck a third vehicle heading west on Market. Police said White was booked into the central jail on suspicion of felony DUI.

  -0-

This was DUI related, but many red light runners are sober – in a rush and/or driving aggressively! Photo enforcement often takes a picture of these crashes helping the innocent collect toward their hospital – OR FUNERAL costs.

Another example of RED Light Running – but this time the driver (who ran the red) dies:

• January 2, 2004 at 6:30pm
  Location: 1625 Heritage Road, Otay Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: A female, driving a Honda Accord, failed to stop for a red traffic signal, while she was traveling S/B on Heritage crossing I-905. As she crossed 905 a Tractor trailer traveling N/B on 905 hit the Accord flipping it over. The Driver of the Accord was pronounced dead at the scene.

In this crash, the Red Light runner was injured:

• January 16, 2004 at 9:33am
  Location: Black Mtn Road at Carroll Canyon Road, Mira Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: An adult male was driving a motorcycle on Black Mountain Road. The driver failed to stop for the red traffic light at the intersection of Carroll Canyon Road and hit another vehicle. The driver sustained a serious compound fracture to his right leg.

But, starting off the New Year of 2004, here’s another RED Light Runner that injures several innocent people:

• January 1, 2004 at 1:15am:
  Location: Clairemont Drive at Clairemont Mesa Blvd, N. Clairemont
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-1, a 1995 Toyota, made a turn from E/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd to N/B Clairemont Drive, against a red light, colliding with P-2 a 2002 Ford Ranger. Three people were transported to the hospital. A female passenger’s in P-1 suffered serious injuries. Traffic Division is handling.

Yet another example of the injuries caused by “red light runners”, this on Christmas:

• December 25, 2003, Location: Poway Road at Sabre Springs Road, Sabre Springs
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 19 yr old female was southbound on Sabre Springs Rd crossing Poway Rd on a green signal. A 31 yr old male was driving westbound on Poway Rd and ran the red signal. He struck the driver’s side of the other vehicle causing serious injury to the female driver. She was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was transported to a local hospital with less serious injuries. Traffic investigated.

(Who’s next?)

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Please watch the whole video.  This is a very powerful and somewhat graphic DUI message.  Not a sugar-coated message.  Sadly, it’s what we see everyday as an emergency agency – the ‘end results” – the tragic consequences when someone chooses to drink and drive…when someone thinks they need alcohol to have a “good time”…and how far too often the innocent are affected. When your evening out or celebration includes alcohol – please plan ahead for a SOBER designated driver.  Be a designated driver, or call a cab or a friend to get you home safely.

Use caution at ALL intersections.  Motorists in a RUSH are speeding up or often “flooring it” for a YELLOW light a block or two away – and often end up running a RED light by 3 to 6 seconds.  If someone waiting at the RED light is not alert and drives off quickly, as soon as the light turns Green, the two shall meet with a very dangerous side impact crash.  Most of the collisions emergency crews respond to are at intersections and are usually caused by RED LIGHT RUNNERS!

Reasons motorists run RED LIGHTS?  Some drivers are on cell phones, text messaging, sleepy, DUI…or sadly “don’t care” and will do what you’ll see in this scary red light runner video - WATCH & DRIVE carefully:

An example of very scary red light runner – be VERY alert at intersections!  For a driving safety lecture on these and other bad driving habits to watch for or avoid contact me at (619) 441-1737.  I’ll help you reduce the risk factors of having a collision.

Drive by the Rules.
Keep the Privilege.

Help connect parents of teen drivers to this easy-to-use resource by inviting them to sign up for the monthly Under YOUR Influence Newsletter and by creating a link on your web site and newsletters to this new resource.

To sign up to receive this monthly newsletter, visit here.

Help spread the word about this helpful resource! To invite others to visit the Under YOUR Influence site, click here.

Wireless Communications Device and Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs

It’s crucial to your survival on our roadways to be 100% alert behind the wheel.  That’s why the cell phone laws were passed, whether you’re holding a cell phone to talk or text.  In California, laws were passed when it was found that 60% of our collisions were cell phone related.  But, you still see people “breaking the law” – taking the risk of getting a citation – or causing a collision, leading to injury  and/or DEATH! 

Below is a refresher on these laws…made for our safety.

 The new Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.  

Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these laws.

Q: When did the wireless communications device (no texting) law take effect?
A: The law took effect January 1, 2009.

Q: When did the handheld wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The laws took effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What is the difference between these laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.” The second law prohibits all drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23123.5). The third law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124). 

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*In my safe driving lectures I have a special dedication: When addressing the subject of aggressive driving I dedicate my talks to the memory of someone very special who was killed by an “aggressive driver” – his name is “Mr. Durham Sprague”. (Seated in the center above)  He was a retired Carlsbad Firefighter, who raised 4 children, three of them sons, all Carlsbad Firefighters, along with a wonderful daughter, a newspaper/magazine journalist…and one of my best friends – Jeannie!  (She’s seated on the far left in the picture above.)

Mr. Sprague was killed on hwy 805 near Murray Ridge as he attempted to merge into lanes when an aggressive-reckless driver, speeding and weaving through traffic, struck Mr. Sprague’s vehicle causing him to roll off the freeway.  The driver who struck and killed Mr. Sprague had a history of reckless driving.  Sadly, aggressive driving kills and injures everyday on our roadways.  This type of driving which often leads to the road rage factor.   My safety lectures address “aggressive driving” and curbing the rage.  How to deal with stress and road rage, either your own rage or that of other drivers.  My lectures will open your eyes to the dangers and how you can reduce the dangers on our roadways.

My dedication to safety is to provide my audience with  a “professional and personal” look at what it takes to increase your survival on our streets and highways, and at home!  How to avoid making the same mistakes others have made that caused their collision.  I’ll make you more aware of the problems we  see daily at our 9-1-1 emergency calls, what you may have missed hearing or seeing about in the news, and all the latest stats. My goal is to make you more aware of these problems that surround us to reduce the “risk factors” of having a collision.  ”What you don’t know, can kill or injure you…or someone you care about!”

*These talks have been in big demand for driving education/training courses, schools(all levels), traffic schools, Life Skills Classes, Parenting classes, military safety stand downs and for company safety conferences and briefings.  I do utilize some stats in my talks, but I put faces with those stats.  Most are local faces, including yours truly.   But keep in mind I do not “sugar coat” the issues since my goal is to save lives!  (But for young children I am careful.)

*Parents of young children – did you know over 90% of safety car seats are not installed correctly.   So you’ll know the law and what it takes to protect your children, check one or more of the following sites – Office of Traffic Safety, California Highway Patrol, Safety Belt Safe U.S.A. – or check my section on this web site regarding safety car seats – “Is Your Child Buckled Up Correctly?”

*Parents of teens! – Are you concerned about your teen driver(s)? You should be since the number one cause of death for teenagers are traffic collisions!   Did you also know “parents” are the direct role models for their children, especially in the area of “driving!” Listen to one of my lectures and you’ll learn how to be a safer role model for your family.

*Graduated Licensing Is Saving Lives” in reducing the death rate among teenage drivers! What is it, how does it work and what are the rules/laws? Check here – Graduated Licensing – compliments of the Automobile Club of Southern California .

Any of these talks have been ideal for company safety meetings & conferences.

If you’d like me to speak to your group just give me a call at (619) 843-7218, or send your request via at monicazech@ cox.net.  Yes – I can speak outside the San Diego County area.   There is a speakers for company talks. When requested to speak outside the county, or state, and airfare and hotel is needed – that must be provided in addition to the speakers fee.  My speakers fee is negotiable.

*A speakers fee is waived for local military bases, schools and non-profit groups.  If long distance travel is involved there may be a small charge involved for fuel.