Resolution:

No. 12-00

Endorsing Stop Red Light Running Week

WHEREAS, the mission of the San Francisco Department of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of all San Franciscans; and,

WHEREAS, the collaborative efforts of the Department of Public Health, Department of Parking and Traffic, Police Department, Mayor, Board of Supervisors and residents have implemented the Stop Red Light Running Program; and,

WHEREAS, the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program began as a pilot project in 1996 including five intersections, and is now expanding to a total of 36 intersections; and,

WHEREAS, red light violators are responsible for an average of 741 reported collisions and 1,246 injuries annually in San Francisco; and,

WHEREAS, collisions caused by red light violators cost the local economy in excess of $40 million annually, excluding the emotional pain and suffering costs that accrue to victims and their families; and,

WHEREAS, injuries and fatalities resulting from red light running are clear examples of preventable incidents; and,

WHEREAS, the combined forces of the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program and Police Department issue over 24,000 citations annually; and,

WHEREAS, over the last three years, the Stop Red Light Running Program has decreased red light running at the intersection of 5th and Howard Streets by 80 percent; and,

WHEREAS, the combined efforts of the Departments of Parking and Traffic, Police and Public Health have demonstrated the success of the Stop Red Light Running Program; and,

WHEREAS, continued efforts to expand and improve the Stop Red Light Running Program are essential to further reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries; and,

WHEREAS, October 8 to October 14, 2000 has been designated by the Federal Highway Administration as "National Stop On Red Light Running Week", now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the San Francisco Health Commission commends the collaborative efforts of the Departments of Public Health, Parking and Traffic and Police to eliminate red light running, thereby ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pedestrians and motorists in San Francisco, and, be it,

FURTHER RESOLVED that the San Francisco Health Commission endorses "National Stop Red Light Running Week," and, be it,

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the San Francisco Health Commission urges the Mayor and Board of Supervisors to declare the week of October 8 through October 14, 2000 as "Stop On Red Light Running Week".

I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Health Commission at its meeting of September 19, 2000.

Sandy Ouye Mori, Executive Secretary to the Health Commission