The fact that different states have adopted diverse red-light camera policies is a reflection on the mixed findings that have emerged from research into the effectiveness of these cameras. A number of studies suggest that the use of redlight cameras may actually increase the number of car accidents.

For example, the state of Virginia studied the impact of Red Light Cameras (Photo Red Enforcement) on crashes. The entire report may be downloaded from the Internet at: http://vtrc.virginiadot.org/PubDetails.aspx?PubNo=07-R2.

Summarized:

1. The cameras did not have the same associated impact in all jurisdictions.

2. The cameras did not have the same associated impact even within a single jurisdiction..

3. The cameras were associated with an increase in rear-end crashes.

4. The cameras were associated with a decrease in red light-running crashes.

5. The cameras were associated with a decrease in injury red light-running crashes.

6. The cameras were associated with an increase in total crashes.

7. The association of the cameras with angle crashes differed among jurisdictions, although a preponderance of test results suggested an increase.

8. The cameras were associated with an increase in the frequency of injury crashes.

9. The cameras were not associated with a decrease in rear-end crashes over time after the initial increase that followed camera installation.

Two recommendations:

1. Red light cameras should not be implemented without an intersection-specific study of the intersection’s crash patterns and geometric characteristics.

2. Because of the opportunity to identify the geometric and operational characteristics of intersections that could adversely affect the safety impacts of red light cameras, it is recommended that additional controlled studies be conducted at those intersections where red light cameras have been installed.

David Gent

Vicksburg

‘Free world’ is on the line

I am responding to Terrence Judge’s letter that appeared in The Vicksburg Post last Sunday.

I am correcting his charge that I, in an earlier letter, stated that an election of Obama would mean the end of the world. I said it could mean the end of the “free world,” and the jury will be out for awhile since he isn’t in office until Jan. 20.

This “free world” is guaranteed, by the First Amendment of  the U.S. Constitution, the right of all citizens, including Terrence Judge, George Mitchell, and me, the right to express our opinions — pro and con. I will not “shut up” as Judge demanded as long as I am breathing. I stand by what I said about Obama’s past associations and his inability to meet security clearance requirements. He can’t even meet qualifications established by his cronies to fill the positions in his own administration.

Show a little class, Mr. Judge.  It’ll get you a lot more than vitriolic rhetoric.

Tommy Hutto

Vicksburg

Students paying the price

Given the current state of the schools and the problems we are trying to correct, I don’t understand how a 30-year involvement in the school system is an asset. (In his letter of Nov. 9, Joe Loviza, newly elected to the school board from District 4, indicated it was.)

Mr. Loviza was involved when this mess started and was at the helm during the decline. I ask that his past association with (Superintendent) Dr. (James) Price not cloud his judgment as to the best course of action for the students of Vicksburg Warren School District.

While the intercession week of instruction for those students in need is a wonderful idea, the administration and execution of that plan is a failure. There are three areas for benchmark testing; reading, language and math. Because Dr. Price had not secured enough teachers, language was not offered. It looks like those students requiring help in language will have to wait until summer school to get the help they need.

Dr. Price was only 67 percent successful in the implementation of the idea. But I guess 67 percent under the new, expanded grading system is OK.

Vic Johnson

Vicksburg

How about a FICA holiday?

Rather than handing taxpayers’ hard-earned money out in the form of bailouts for American business and stimulus checks that cost millions to produce and deliver, I suggest a more immediate way to get the U.S. economy moving would be to take a holiday from Social Security (FICA) amounts withheld from paychecks for six to 12 months.

These taxes amount to more than 7.6 percent of a worker’s pay, which then has to be matched by employers for a total of 15.3 percent. If the employer is also exempted from the match, the employer would have more capital on hand to buy new equipment, add to inventory, hire new workers and still employ the existing staff.

This FICA holiday would immediately put 15.3 percent of all payrolls back into the economy, thus giving the economy a much-needed injection of cash without a government handout. Just let the employers and workers keep more of their gross income. They worked for it.

David Mattina

Biloxi

There’s always an adult

I am real concerned about our youths and their ability to get alcohol. The abuse of alcohol is a very real public health concern, particularly as it involves our young people. Year after year the statistics prove to us that lives are ruined, that youthful potential is lost.  Underage drinking is not unique to Vicksburg, but it is certainly an epidemic which ravages our state.

Access to alcohol must be stopped. Attitudes about drinking must be changed.   There must be tougher penalties for those who break the law. Every time someone under the age of 21 gets their hands on alcohol, an adult is responsible, whether it’s a parent hosting a party or a store clerk who looks the other way, or they don’t understand the legalities of their actions. It is not just a problem for teens. It’s our problem as a community. I wish for my community to join together and help MADD to prevent underage drinking and the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.  If you would like more information please visit www.madd.org.

Dean B. Anderson

Warren County MADD

Vicksburg