Update: After nearly 7,000 violations and more than 3,500 warnings in less than a year, Orlando experienced a 50% reduction in violations and crashes!

The researchers looked at motorist behavior at intersections in Gainesville and Daytona Beach, and found: "It is extremely unlikely, even at a `perfectly' engineered intersection, that red-light running could be totally prevented."

They added: "although red-light running is sometimes the result of driver inattentiveness, it is more commonly deliberate (e.g. disrespect for traffic-control devices, in a hurry, etc.). . . . Most drivers are aware of the yellow/red signal, and could safely stop if they wanted to, they just choose not to." Enforcement, they concluded, "is really the only option to make a significant impact."

Many Florida police departments have launched serious crackdowns on red-light runners. Their efforts have also been aided by the use of small white lights installed on select traffic signals. These lights help police better see, when observing from any angle, whether a motorist has ran a red light.

Police can't be everywhere at once and are pulled in many directions with the continual rise of violent crimes and other public safety concerns. So, what happens when no one is there to witness a red light violation? What about a red light running crash with no witnesses...how can fault be determined? In many cases, it can't. It's one driver's word against the other and all too often, the victim isn't alive and able to share their story. The UF study speaks to "the difficulties of manual enforcement . . . and its short-term influence." Drivers simply go back to their previous bad habits when police presence is no longer there.

"The best long-term solution . . . appears to be automated enforcement," the study said, referring to several states that use cameras to spot and ticket violators. "When drivers know they will be penalized for their illegal behavior, they will be much more likely to abide by the law."

Our state leaders have refused to legalize the use of photo enforcement cameras to nab red-light runners (even though our state uses them to fine drivers who "forget" to pay their turnpike toll). Red-light running is a very dangerous behavior, and cameras can be a very effective behavior-modification device. Lawmakers ought to stop making excuses for these thoughtless, dangerous drivers and authorize the use of cameras to save lives.