**Heading 1: California Governor Signs Legislation for Speed Cameras in LA, Long Beach, and Glendale**
In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 645 into law, paving the way for a pilot speed-camera program in six California cities, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale. The program is set to be implemented as early as next year.
**Heading 2: Addressing High-Accident Areas and Promoting Safety**
AB 645, championed by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman of Burbank, focuses on deploying speed cameras in "high-accident" corridors, school zones, and locations frequently occupied by street racers. The initiative is driven by the belief that slowing down vehicles is crucial for saving lives on California's roads.
**Heading 3: Statistics and Justification**
Friedman's office cites statistics from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, indicating that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals under 30. In 2021 alone, 4,379 Californians lost their lives in traffic collisions, with 1,275 being pedestrians or bicyclists.
Drawing inspiration from the success of a similar program in New York City, which witnessed a 73% reduction in speeding after the introduction of speed cameras, proponents believe that AB 645 is a proactive measure to address the pressing issue of road safety.
**Heading 4: Voices of Support and Advocacy**
Damian Kevitt, the founder of the Los Angeles-based road-safety advocacy group Streets Are For Everyone, has been a prominent supporter of the legislation. Kevitt views reckless speeding as a public health crisis and applauds AB 645 as a timely solution to protect communities from traffic violence.
**Heading 5: Ticketing System and Penalties**
According to Kevitt, the speed cameras will issue fines starting at $50, with the first ticket serving as a warning. Subsequent tickets will be sent to drivers through the mail, similar to parking tickets, without impacting their driving records or insurance. The legislation also incorporates a legal appeals process and provisions for low-income offenders to have fines waived or reduced by up to 80%.
**Heading 6: Alarming Traffic Fatality Statistics**
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Kevitt's group reveals that speed has consistently been the primary factor in traffic crashes in the city since 2011. Last year marked a record with 312 fatalities, and as of late September this year, the city has already witnessed 225 traffic fatalities, putting it on track for another unfortunate record.
In conclusion, AB 645 emerges as a comprehensive effort to address the critical issue of road safety in California's major cities, emphasizing the importance of reducing speed and saving lives on the streets.