(757) 333-3333New Cameras Target Red Light Runners in Chesapeake
Red light runners in Chesapeake will face a crackdown as the city expands its network of cameras at dangerous intersections.
The City of Chesapeake is to add cameras at four more intersections spread across the city, according to local TV reports.
As personal injury lawyers with a client meeting location in Chesapeake, we are well aware of the serious injuries red light runners in Chesapeake can inflict on other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. We welcome the expansion of the red light cameras.
Cameras were first installed in Chesapeake at several busy intersections in 2010 after the city partnered with the company Redflex. Those intersections were:
- Portsmouth Boulevard at Gum Road;
- Indian River Road at Sparrow Road;
- Military Highway at George Washington Highway;
- Military Highway at Greenbrier Parkway;
- Atlantic Avenue at Campostella Road;
- Greenbrier Parkway at Kempsville Road;
- Kempsville Road at Battlefield Blvd.
At some intersections, cameras proved very effective in reducing the number of red light runners in Chesapeake.
Police said the cameras at Military Highway at George Washington Highway and Atlantic Avenue at Campostella Road were removed after the number of crashes fell significantly at those intersections.
The city has pledged to expand the program and bring red light cameras to the following intersections:
- Greenbrier Parkway at Volvo Parkway;
- Battlefield Boulevard at Volvo Parkway;
- Military Highway at Canal Drive;
- Taylor Road at Portsmouth Boulevard.
The city says that violators are contacted by mail to the vehicle’s registered address. A violation is a civil offense that does not get reported to the DMV or insurance companies.
What Are the Fines for Red Light Runners in Chesapeake?
The penalty for photo-enforced red light running violation is $50. The fines are handled by the civil rather than the criminal system. No driver license points are associated with driving through a red light camera and there are no insurance implications. However, red light running may end up in a citation if a police officer apprehends a red light runner or a violator causes a crash.
The operator of a car, van, truck or motorcycle is liable for the monetary penalty imposed from information obtained from the red light cameras, states the City of Chesapeake.
The video and photographic evidence of the red light violation is available for review and inspection by the registered owner or driver of the vehicle. In these cases, there is a legal presumption that the registered owner, renter or lessee of the vehicle was the person who committed the red light violation.
The presumption may be challenged by affidavit or testimony under oath in open court.
What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Red Light Runners in Chesapeake?
When a driver goes through a red light, he or she often hits the side of another vehicle. T-bone accidents of this nature can be very serious because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or backs. Common injuries include:
- Herniated discs in the neck or back
- Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord damage leading to potential paralysis
- Crushing injuries.
Side-impact car accidents may lead to serious injury or death, particularly in vehicles lacking side airbags. T-bone car wrecks are also called broadside crashes because of the perpendicular shape the cars make upon impact. In many cases, side-impact crashes happen without warning for a victim because the at-fault driver hits the side of the victim’s vehicle after running a red light or blowing through a stop sign.
A T-bone car accident is more serious than most other types of accidents because there is no “crumple zone” like an engine or a trunk on the side of a car. Some studies suggest as many as 50 percent of traffic deaths occurred in side-impact car accidents. When the at-fault driver is behind the wheel of a truck or an SUV, the fatality rate is higher.
It is important to stop at red lights or stop signs. If the light is yellow and about to turn red, you should also stop.
In recent years, red light enforcement cameras have been fitted in a number of Hampton Roads cities including Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Newport News.
Talk to An Experienced Chesapeake Red Light Runner Injury Lawyer
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers helps many hurt clients from Chesapeake and surrounding cities. We help people who have suffered terrible injuries at intersections. Please call us for a free consultation today if you have been hurt at an intersection or in another accident scenario at (757) 333-3333.
