Group Challenges Feds to Improve Intersection Safety
16 years
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Cities around the country that have experimented with longer yellow signal times have reported great success in improving safety. Georgia towns, for example, saw 80 percent reductions in violations after a law kicked in mandating longer yellows
In light of the growing consensus, National Motorists Association (NMA) is leaning on transportation officials in Washington in the hope that they will update national regulations. In a letter sent Thursday, the Wisconsin-based group asked Federal Highway Administration head Victor Mendez to update the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) so that local governments could no longer get away with just posting intersections at the current 3.0 second minimum.
NMA's letter singles out Chicago, Illinois which employs a blanket policy of 3.0 second yellows at high-speed intersections. With the country's largest network of red light cameras, the Windy City is able to generate $70 million from tickets issued primarily from motorists who misjudge the length of the yellow by a split second.
"The FHWA has an obligation, as the agency responsible for regulating traffic signals, to establish clear safety requirements that eliminate such predatory practices," Biller said.
Here, here!!! Fred
Here, here!!!
Fred
I was on the North side of
I was on the North side of Chicago this weekend and it was ridiculous how many cameras there were. Most were not on the high speed intersections though. I think they get many people that become impatient with the bumper to bumper traffic and 2 lanes going to 1 due to parking. We did see a lot more bicycles then ever before even when it was near freezing.
John B - Garmin 765T
I'm not holding my breath
CHicago will never succumb to pressure or guidelines. Even when Chicago wants to do something that is not lawful in Illinois, Hizzoner petitions the legislature in Springfield for a new state law that applies only to Chicago/Cook County.
1490LMT 1450LMT 295w
I avoid Chicago
I generally try to avoid places that have red light cameras and speed cameras whenever possible. Chicago is a place I especially avoid because of the large number of cameras. I have driven 100 miles out of my way on several occasions because of this.
Safety!
How often have I read that cameras and additional police are needed for "safety". All the time.
Now there is a study that shows 80% improvement by simply adding a second or two to the yellow light duration?
Nice try, but it won't ever happen, unless there is a way to require an additional tax on people, and an increased revenue stream to the municipality.
More safety is dandy, but only when it arrives with a large pricetag.
GRRR
Why single out Chicago? Why not put more pressure on those in charge with all the corruption going on? Try stopping in 3 seconds when it's snowing, or icing out, let alone under normal conditions.
Also, John D'Amico has proposed making yellow lights 2.6 seconds! If I'm not mistaken, he passed a senate, or house bill making it legal. Thanks buddy!
http://parkridge.suntimes.com/news/10628724-418/green-light-...
Old threads with lots of info
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/26032
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/28357