20060203 HoCo Hayduke: New protocols on nonfunctioning traffic lights

HoCo Hayduke: New protocols on nonfunctioning traffic lights

February 5, 2006

I have not read the “new policy,” however, one of the obvious questions that comes to mind are staffing issues. Does the Howard County police department have enough officers to address all the intersections that may be impacted by a widespread power failure?

Is this an opportunity to utilize non-sworn, but trained safety personnel such as a “police auxiliary” or fire police?

There are reports that LED traffic signals require much less electricity. Perhaps the battery back-ups are the way to go? Then again, what is the fiscal note for retrofitting existing traffic signals with battery back-ups?

Clearly, as traffic congestion increases, this is an growing public safety issue... Meanwhile our hearts and prayers are extended to the families of the teenagers...

HoCo Hayduke

Friday, February 03, 2006

New protocol...

It won't bring back Scott E. Caplan and Theresa E. Howard, but it's a sensible policy that could save lives in the future.

In a change ordered after two teenagers were killed at a nonfunctioning traffic light in Columbia last month, Howard County police will require officers to stay at nonfunctioning signals until they are fixed or until a stop sign or another temporary device is taken to the scene.

The county also is moving ahead with plans to test its first battery backup system for traffic lights, which can keep a signal running for up to eight hours after it loses electrical power.

Read more: Click on HoCo Hayduke or go this article here: New protocol...