OOIDA Call to Action - New Jersey members
January 4, 2008

Attention: New Jersey truckers! The state Senate and Assembly could consider legislation Monday, Jan. 7, on their respective chamber floors that could lead to red-light cameras popping up across the state. It is extremely important to speak out on this revenue-generating mechanism.

The bills – S2123 and A4314 – would remove current state law that prohibits camera radar. As amended, for a period of five years, it would allow municipalities to use photo enforcement at traffic signals that are deemed to have a high frequency of red-light runners.

Supporters of photo enforcement say it encourages compliance with the law and saves lives by reducing collisions. But don’t be fooled. A study paid for by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed rear-end crashes actually increased in cities with red-light cameras, as motorists stopped abruptly at yellow lights to avoid tickets.

Not to mention the fact the motivation of every player in this deal is economics. Whether it’s the local jurisdiction or the manufacturer: That’s not reasonable justification for posting these cameras.

To voice concerns about red-light cameras to your state lawmakers, click here to scroll to find your district. Click on your district and your lawmakers’ names will appear. By clicking on a lawmaker’s name you will be forwarded to their homepage and contact information. You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they will look up the information for you.

An e-mail and a phone call could do wonders to head off this misguided effort!

Thanks for your support.