Speeding is a leading cause of death among Americans and causes hundreds of thousands of injuries a year. Speed-related accidents killed 11,674 people in 2008 (2011 Statistical Abstract from U.S. Census Bureau). In 2007, red-light running in the USA led to 154,000 injuries and more than 900 deaths across the U.S. (Insurance Institute For Highway safety – IIHS).

Speeding was involved in nearly one-third of the fatal crashes that occurred in highway work zones in 2007 (National  Highway Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts, 2007 Data – Speeding). A national survey found that two-thirds of drivers exceed the posted speed limit in school zones (AAA School’s Open Fact Sheet.)

Speed sensor enforcement systems, using lasers and other imaging technologies, are proven systems enabling municipalities to significantly reduce the number of traffic violations and crashes. It has been widely shown that the perception of the risk of getting a ticket strongly influences motorists’ driving behavior (IIHS – 2009 Statement before Maryland Senate Committee on Judicial Proceedings on Senate Bill 277.)

Optotraffic, based in Lanham, Maryland and with more than 50 employees, provides automated laser speed sensor and camera technology and support services to local governments – - to reduce speeding in school zones and increase public safety in many jurisdictions, municipalities and towns. Thirty units operate in more than 12 localities in the State of Maryland.

The company uses in-house developed and patented laser technology that provides highly-accurate, low cost traffic monitoring and enforcement solutions. The company delivers sophisticated, accurate, and secure automated speed enforcement systems.

The Optotraffic units are calibrated daily and tested to within one mile per hour – - in annual tests by independent laboratories and periodically by the police departments of local municipalities.  Optotraffic’s automated speed enforcement system measures the speeds of passing vehicles with an accuracy of +/- 1 mph. Less than 0.2% of all issued Optotraffic citations have been contested in a court hearing.