Running a red light might seem like a minor infraction to some drivers, but the risks associated with this act are substantial. Not only does it pose a significant danger to the driver who runs the light, but it also endangers other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The City of Humble, Texas, recognizing the severe implications of red-light running, has taken decisive measures to curb this dangerous behavior.
Here’s an in-depth look at the risks of running red lights and the strategies Humble is employing to address the issue.
The Grave Risks of Running Red Lights
Running a red light is not just a simple traffic violation; it can lead to devastating consequences. Here are some alarming facts and statistics that underscore the seriousness of this issue:
- Increased Likelihood of Severe Crashes: A crash caused by a driver who runs a red light is more likely to result in serious injury or death compared to other types of collisions. The sudden impact often catches other drivers off guard, leading to severe accidents.
- Rising Fatalities: Deaths caused by red-light running are increasing at more than three times the rate of increase for all other fatal crashes. This statistic highlights how dangerous this behavior can be.
- High Injury Rates: More people are injured in crashes involving red-light running than in any other crash type. This statistic is a stark reminder of the physical harm that can come from such reckless driving.
- Public Fear and Awareness: Almost all drivers (96%) fear being struck by a red-light runner. This widespread fear indicates a high level of public awareness about the dangers of red-light running.
- Commonality: A majority of Americans (56%) admit to running red lights. This confession suggests that the act is more common than many might believe, making it a pervasive issue on the roads.
- Personal Impact: One in three Americans knows someone who has been injured or killed in a red-light running crash. This statistic brings a personal dimension to the issue, showing that many people have been directly affected by the consequences of red-light running.
Running red lights is often a result of aggressive driving and is entirely preventable. Many drivers run red lights because they are in a hurry, but the time saved is minimal—often just a few seconds—compared to the potential cost of a severe accident.
How Humble, TX is Addressing the Issue
Given the significant risks associated with red-light running, the City of Humble has implemented a comprehensive red-light camera program to deter this behavior and promote road safety. Here’s a detailed look at how the program works and its impact on the community.
Red-Light Camera Locations
Cameras are installed at several key intersections in Humble based on crash statistics compiled by the Humble Police Department. Each intersection is clearly marked with signs to inform drivers about the presence of red-light cameras. The intersections equipped with these systems include:
- Westbound FM 1960 Bypass @ US 59
- Westbound FM 1960 A (1st Street) @ US 59
- Westbound FM 1960 Bypass @ Whitaker
- Eastbound FM 1960 Bypass @ Whitaker
- Westbound FM 1960 Bypass @ North Houston Ave.
- Eastbound FM 1960 Bypass @ North Houston Ave.
- Westbound FM 1960 Bypass @ Townsen Rd. (west of freeway)
- Westbound FM 1960 Bypass @ Townsen Rd. (east of freeway)
- Eastbound FM 1960 Bypass @ Townsen Rd. (east of freeway)
- Northbound U.S. 59 @ FM 1960 Bypass
How the Red-Light Camera System Works
The red-light camera system is designed to capture images and videos of vehicles that enter an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Here’s how the process works:
- Image and Video Capture: When a vehicle runs a red light, the automated system captures images and video of the violation. The camera only becomes active once the red light is showing, ensuring that vehicles entering the intersection on yellow are not penalized.
- Review and Issuance: The captured images and videos are reviewed by several qualified technicians and finally by the Humble Police Department. If the violation is confirmed, a Notice of Violation is mailed to the vehicle owner.
- Notice of Violation: The Notice of Violation includes details about the alleged infraction, including the date, time, and location, as well as images and video evidence. Vehicle owners can view the evidence online at www.ViolationInfo.com using the Notice Number and PIN provided.
Contesting a Violation
Vehicle owners who receive a Notice of Violation have the option to contest it through an administrative adjudication hearing. Here are the steps to request a hearing:
- Request in Writing: The vehicle owner must request a hearing in writing by signing the coupon located on the bottom back of the Notice of Violation and mailing it to the address shown. The request must be mailed before the due date of the notice.
- Hearing Schedule: The vehicle owner will be notified by mail of the scheduled date and time for the hearing.
- Hearing Process: During the hearing, the vehicle owner can present evidence and discuss the circumstances surrounding the violation. If found liable, the owner must pay the civil penalty and any administrative hearing costs.
Affirmative Defenses
The City of Humble Code of Ordinance No. 07-635 Sec. 5 defines several affirmative defenses that can lead to the dismissal of a Notice of Violation. These defenses include:
- The traffic-control signal was not in proper position and sufficiently legible.
- The operator was acting in compliance with the lawful order of a police officer.
- The operator was part of a funeral procession.
- The operator yielded the right-of-way to an approaching emergency vehicle.
- The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle operating according to Chapter 546 of the Texas Transportation Code.
- The vehicle was stolen and being operated without the owner’s consent.
- The license plate was stolen and displayed on a different vehicle.
- The vehicle was leased, rented, or under the control of another person.
- Unusual hazardous road conditions made compliance more dangerous.
- The owner was not the vehicle owner at the time of the violation.
- The owner received a criminal citation or warning from a peace officer for the same offense.
Impact on Insurance and Driving Records
One of the common concerns about red-light camera violations is their potential impact on insurance rates and driving records. In Humble, the civil penalty for running a red light through the automated camera system is not recorded on the owner’s driving record, and an arrest warrant is not issued. Consequently, this violation does not affect insurance rates.
Payment and Penalties
Vehicle owners are required to pay the civil penalty by the due date specified on the Notice of Violation. Failure to pay the penalty or contest liability by the due date results in a $25 late fee and may lead to further collection proceedings. If the violation remains unpaid, the County Tax Assessor-Collector may refuse to register the vehicle.
Program Effectiveness
The red-light camera program in Humble is designed to enhance public safety by reducing red-light running violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies have shown that automated enforcement systems can lead to significant decreases in these violations and related accidents. The presence of red-light cameras also creates a “spill-over effect,” where intersections not monitored by cameras see a reduction in violations due to the overall increase in enforcement.
Conclusion
Red-light running is a serious and preventable traffic violation that poses significant risks to all road users. The City of Humble has taken a proactive approach to address this issue through a comprehensive red-light camera program. By understanding the risks and supporting measures that promote road safety, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment.
If you have any questions or need legal assistance regarding an accident or personal injury case, Joe I. Zaid & Associates is here to help. With over 10 years of experience, our team is dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation. Contact us today for a consultation.
For more information on red-light camera violations or to view your violation images and video, visit www.ViolationInfo.com.
Contact Information: Joe I. Zaid & Associates
- Pasadena Office: 4710 Vista Rd. Suite E, Pasadena, Texas 77505, (346) 756-9243
- Humble Office: 5616 Farm to Market 1960 Road East, Suite 290D, Humble, Texas 77346, (346) 594-0500
- Clear Lake Office: 16821 Buccaneer Ln #226, Houston, TX 77058, (346) 690-0500