RIGHT-ON-RED ROLLERS RUNNING UP THE NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS AT SAFELIGHT INTERSECTION

CARY , NC – A survey of red light violations at one Cary Safelight location shows that drivers aren’t following some important rules of the road.  To give drivers time to make sure the way is clear before proceeding, North Carolina law requires motorists to come to a complete stop before turning right at red lights at intersections.  But that’s not happening as often as it should at the intersection of High House Road and Prestonwood Drive , where more than 290 violations out of over 370 in the past six weeks have gone to drivers rolling right, right through red lights.  

Town officials hope that by publicizing the problem, they will raise drivers’ awareness of and compliance with the state’s Right-on-Red rules.   

“It’s pretty simple: a red light in your lane means stop, no matter what direction you’re heading in at the intersection,” said Town of Cary Deputy Police Chief Pat Bazemore.  “As skilled as you may think you are, the full stop is necessary to protect the safety of everyone at the intersection—motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians—and anything less is against the law.”  

The Town of Cary now has six of a planned 16 intersections equipped with red light cameras.  The move to add photo enforcement is designed to reduce accidents, help keep traffic flowing well by not allowing intersections to be blocked, and economically and efficiently expand police’s ability to enforce traffic safety laws 24/7.   

Cary was one of several municipalities that received permission from the General Assembly in 2001 to create red light camera programs.  Based on that Legislative authority (SB 243), red light camera citations carry a $50 fine with an additional $50 penalty if the fine is not paid when due.  However, no driver's license or insurance points are assessed.  Net proceeds go to the Wake County Public School System.  

Provided by Redflex of Australia, Cary ’s system uses the most advanced digital technology to ensure the highest level of accuracy.  In addition to the digital photographs, SafeLight Cary includes a 12 second video clip of each offense.  For more about SafeLight Cary, including how Cary ’s system works and what other intersections will get cameras, visit SAFELIGHT CARY at www.townofcary.org

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