It's happened to most of us: You approach a stoplight as it turns yellow, then it turns to red while you're still moving through the intersection. In most of our state, it's simply a close call. But if a bill just passed by the state Senate becomes law, drivers in 19 Pennsylvania communities could soon receive traffic violation tickets in that situation.

Red-light cameras, which snap a picture of cars going through red lights and then automatically send a ticket to the car's owner, are highly controversial. Proponents claim they reduce the number of red-light tickets and side-impact collisions at intersections. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the cameras reduced violations by 40 to 50 percent and injuries by 25 to 35 percent.

But the National Motorists Association counters that other studies show the cameras actually increased rear-end collisions by 50 to 71 percent, because drivers afraid of getting a ticket tend to slam on their brakes at intersections. Many also oppose red-light cameras on the belief that municipalities are more interested in collecting revenue than preventing accidents.

Philadelphia is currently the only city in Pennsylvania with red-light cameras. A Philadelphia Inquirer study, citing police data from that city, found that crashes at intersections with the cameras are up 12 to 15 percent.

Aside from the crash statistics, though, opponents don't like the cameras because drivers who receive a ticket in the mail for a red-light camera violation can't argue with a camera in court and are thereby robbed of due process. And no matter who's driving your car, the cameras snap a picture of your license plate, making you, the owner, responsible for paying the ticket. Even if your brother borrowed your car, the camera thinks the violation goes on your record, forcing you to prove otherwise to avoid points on your license.

If you're faced with a red-light violation, it's important to consider the damage to your driving record before signing a ticket, which is an admission of guilt. A traffic violation lawyer can tell you what your options are if you get a ticket and may be able to reduce the penalty, if one exists.

Source: TimesLeader.com, "Legislation would let three local cities use red-light cameras," Terrie Morgan-Besecker, Dec. 3, 2011