The day is coming soon when some of Collier County’s most dangerous intersections will have blue light technology that will hopefully help reduce an aspect of Southwest Florida traffic that is unlawful and dangerous: running a red light.
How soon the blue lights will be operational is the big question, especially as we are experiencing the peak of tourist and snowbird season.
Last year, a crash in September claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman and injured two middle-schoolers, sending them to the hospital. A semi-truck ran a red light at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Logan Boulevard. As a result of that crash, the Collier County Commission brainstormed ways to increase law enforcement efforts to crack down on red light runners.
The Commission considered several alternatives and even contemplated bringing back red light cameras. It was decided that by using blue lights at major intersections, the county would be able to double its law enforcement capabilities to stop the dangerous and unlawful practice of running red lights.
More: Collier commissioners take steps to improve road safety. Here’s what they’re doing
At the Nov. 12, 2024 commission meeting, the Board approved $160,000 to install red-light indicators (blue lights) at 20 ‘dangerous’ intersections chosen from based on data and in coordination with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Red light cameras photograph vehicles that enter an intersection when the light is red.
With a blue light intersection, law enforcement is directed to specific locations where data shows a high probability for incidents. Officers visually observe the intersection. When the blue light is activated, an officer can stop individuals and the officer will either give a warning or issue a citation.
The big difference compared to monitor intersections before blue lights are installed: one deputy can monitor the intersection where before it took multiple deputies to monitor one intersection.
According to Collier County spokesperson Connie Deane:
“I have checked with our Transportation Engineering Division staff and have been advised that a contractor has been hired and they have ordered the materials needed. Once the materials are delivered then installation work may begin. That may be as early as this spring.”
In Collier County, if you are issued a ticket for running a red light, it will cost you $261, according to the Collier County Clerk of Court website.
In Lee County it will cost you $259.
These are 20 intersections and approaches where the blue lights will be installed:
What are your thoughts on red light runners in Southwest Florida and the best ways to reduce the number of drivers who are running red lights? Will the blue lights Collier County is going to install at 20 intersections work? Should red light cameras be brought back?
Share you opinion here:
Your emails are pouring into my inbox and I love it. Keep them coming. Remember, it’s OK to vent and tell me what is driving you crazy when it comes to our traffic crisis. Of course, your observations and ideas for helping to solve the crisis are always welcome!
Email anytime to mbickel@gannett.com.
Photos and videos: Same thing. Please email multimedia content to mbickel@gannett.com. If the video file is too big to send in email, we will figure out best way to make the transfer.
About The Author
More Stories
Community Snapshot—October
2025 Postel Awardee David Clark, an Architect and Implementer of the Internet
Making Internet Policy Make Sense—Your Multilingual Guide to the Internet