Officers posted at intersections crack down on red light
runners
By Rachelle Gines Staff Writer
Gilroy – Red light runners, beware.
If police stationed at Gilroy intersections target red light runners for National Stop on Red Week, like they did those who failed to buckle their seatbelts during the “Click it or Ticket” campaign in May, then motorists should think twice when approaching a yellow light.
National Stop on Red Week runs through Saturday, and the Traffic Safe Communities Network (TSCN) of Santa Clara County said officers from the Gilroy Police Department will be stationed at the intersection of 10th and Chestnut streets from 7 to 9am today, and at the intersection of 10th and Monterey streets from 7 to 9am on Wednesday.
“Those hours were selected because they are during commute times, which are busy hours when red light violations are likely to take place,” Susan Lowery, health and education specialist for TSCN and the Public Health Department of Santa Clara County said.
Lowery said the high number of accidents due to motorists running red lights is cause for national awareness. On a local level, agencies such as the Morgan Hill Police Department and the California Highway Patrol are also participating.
“According to the CHP, there were 1,122 collisions, 1,029 injuries and four deaths locally in Santa Clara County in 2005,” Lowery said.
Cpl. Justin Matsuhara said the police department’s participation in the campaign is important.
“We’ve found that high visibility, or simply having officers out at certain intersections is a deterrent for people against running red lights,” Matsuhara said.
As a member of the Gilroy Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team, Matsuhara said he has dealt a lot with motorists who run red lights.
“We’ve seen a lot of collisions due to running red lights. Some incidents result in property damage, but some also result in injuries,” Matsuhara said.
Matsuhara said motorists should approach yellow lights with caution.
“If you can proceed safely through an intersection when the light is yellow, than you should do so. But if you have enough distance to stop prior to entering the intersection, it is highly advised that you stop,” Matsuhara said.
During the “Click it or Ticket” Campaign’s 13-day period which ran from May 22 through June 4, Gilroy Police Department Crime Analyst Phyllis Ward said police reported eight seatbelt and child/passenger restraint violations. The 13-day period prior to the seatbelt campaign showed a report of one violation, and the 13-day period after the campaign showed a report of three violations.
