In the District, the beginning of the summer will also mean the beginning of a comprehensive traffic safety program, designed to reduce injuries and deaths at intersections, just in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Starting June 30, 1999, one of the nation’s largest automated photo enforcement projects will begin in the District, as the city joins the growing list of communities nationwide that are cracking down on aggressive driving.

Under a contract with Washington, D. C., Lockheed Martin IMS is installing 40 cameras at various District intersections designed to deter violation of the District’s traffic laws. The first cameras, which will monitor red-light running, will start capturing violations on June 30, 1999.

Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey said, "Traffic in the District is a major concern to us all. The fatalities, injuries and property damage that our officers see on a first hand basis speaks to the need for the added enforcement these cameras will provide. Red-light running and speeding pose a serious threat to the people of Washington, D.C., because they threaten our families and our children." He added "This new traffic safety program is an important part of our effort to prevent needless injuries and deaths by aggressive drivers."

Last year, U. S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater announced a nationwide campaign to target aggressive driving and install more red light cameras at intersections. The Department of Transportation reports some 8,000 people die and a million are hurt annually in such crashes. Slater said red light running is the leading cause of urban crashes.