PORTLAND, Ore. - Red light cameras are popping up at more and more intersections throughout the Portland metro area. With one quick snapshot, they can capture a driver like Matt Knispel.
"Why not we put a sensor in our car to say when we're running red lights or speeding and then we can all just be policed at any time?" said Beaverton driver Matt Knispel.
Here's something you may want in your car, the GPS Angel warns you when you're approaching an intersection with a red light camera. It uses GPS satellite technology to map your car's location against a database of red light cameras. Unlike other products that charge monthly fees, the GPS Angel offers free unlimited access to the database.
In Beaverton, 3 out of 4 residents on average, favor photo red light enforcement, as for Knispel, not so much.
"For me there's an evil perception of police that they just want to get you. Anything that can deter them from getting you is something they wouldn't like," said Knispel.
But the head of Portland Police Bureau's traffic division Captain Eric Hendricks actually likes what he has learned so far about the GPS Angel.
"I think it's going to make them more careful and that's what we're interested in," said Hendricks.
A beeping sound and flashing light will automatically notify you when you're approaching an intersection that has a red light camera. You're given plenty of time to either slow down or stop if you need to. Red light runners cause some of the worst crashes.
"The chances of someone being injured in one of those types of wrecks is high because often times the point of impact is right in the passenger compartment," said Hendricks.
That's just more reason for officers to go after red light runners. The city of Portland plans to spend $7 million to add more red light cameras and photo radar to the streets.
"The Bureau of Transportation has some facts and figures that accidents at intersections covered by red light cameras have been reduced by 30 percent," said Hendricks.
The GPS Angel costs $129 and will tell you exactly where those cameras are.
"Don't be in such a hurry that you think you need to beat that light, because in the end how much time do you save? Probably just a few seconds," said Hendricks.
