Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - A bill to install cameras at intersections in some cities passed the Senate today with a vote of 31-17. Senate Bill 570, authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen), would allow the Department of Transportation to place these cameras at stoplights in up to 10 Indiana cities.
"There are many dangerous intersections in my district and across the state," Mishler said. "This will act as a deterrent to motorists who recklessly drive through red lights."
The camera at the intersections would be triggered when a driver runs a red - not a yellow - light. A photograph is then sent to local law enforcement officials, who can then issue a citation or a warning. A fee no greater than $100 can be levied. Signs warning of the cameras would be placed before the intersection to notify drivers.
Statistics show that Indiana is 10th in the nation in number of crashes caused by a driver running a red light. Between 2001 and 2003, 272 people died in Indiana as a result of these types of crashes. A Purdue University survey showed that 55.8 percent of drivers have run red lights, but only 6 percent have been cited for doing so.
"Currently, 128 cities in the United States allow these systems at intersections, and each has seen a decrease in accidents and fatalities," said the first-term Senator. "This bill will save lives."
The legislation hit a snag Monday, when the bill failed to gain a constitutional majority (26 members). According to Senate rules, however, the bill can be called again as long as a majority doesn't vote against the bill. The bill was called again today, and passed with 31 votes.
Mishler represents portions of St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and Kosciusko counties.
