Modesto red-light camera captures 400 possible violations in first 11 days
A red-light camera installed at one of Modesto’s busiest intersections has captured more than 400 possible violations in its first 11 days of operation, according to the Modesto Police Department.
The automated camera at Briggsmore Avenue and Coffee Road recently went live as part of the city’s effort to improve traffic safety and reduce serious collisions at intersections.
Ten intersections were selected for installation:
- Eastbound Briggsmore Avenue at Coffee Road
- Eastbound Sylvan Avenue at Coffee Road
- Eastbound Briggsmore Avenue at Carver Road
- Eastbound Pelandale Avenue at Carver Road
- Northbound Oakdale Road at Briggsmore Avenue
- Southbound McHenry Avenue at Standiford Avenue
- Northbound El Vista/Oakdale Road at Scenic Drive
- Northbound North Carpenter Road at Kansas Avenue
- Northbound Ninth Street at G Street
- Westbound Yosemite Boulevard at South Santa Rosa Avenue
Police shared the early numbers in a social media post Friday, calling the number of potential violations concerning. “That number is concerning and highlights why this program is so important,” the department wrote.
Officials say the program is intended to change driver behavior rather than generate citations. “Our goal is not citations. Our goal is safety,” the department said.
Red-light running is one of the leading causes of serious injury collisions at intersections, police said. Those crashes often involve drivers who had the right of way but never saw the other vehicle coming.
Police urge drivers to slow down when approaching intersections, be prepared to stop when a light turns yellow and avoid trying to “beat the light.”
“A few seconds of patience can prevent a lifetime of consequences,” the department said.
Citations tied to the camera program are expected to cost about $485 beginning April 1. If each of the more than 400 possible violations captured during the first 11 days resulted in a citation at that cost, the total would amount to roughly $194,000 in fines.
However, not every captured incident results in a ticket. Potential violations are reviewed before a citation is issued, and some may be dismissed.
Police said the goal of the program is ultimately to reduce crashes, prevent injuries and improve safety at intersections across the city.
