Red light camera captures accident, determines fault

CEDAR RAPIDS – Video from a red light camera in Cedar Rapids settled the score between two drivers who thought they each had a green light.

Two vehicles collided around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Sixth Street and Second Avenue SW. Police said a westbound pickup driven by John L. Mouchka, 68, of Cedar Rapids, broadsided a northbound car driven by Linda E. Merritt, 62, of Cedar Rapids.

Both vehicles were totaled, and firefighters had to help Merritt out of the car. She was taken by ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital, where she was treated and released. Mouchka had a bruise on his hand, but declined medical treatment.

With neither party admitting fault, police turned to the video evidence. It revealed Merritt had a red light for several seconds before entering the intersection. She was cited for disobeying a traffic signal.

“It presents to us a clear view of what the situation was with the light,” Sgt. Michael Wallerstedt said. “We know without a doubt who had the green light and who had the red light.”

Cameras have monitored seven intersections in Cedar Rapids for speeders and red-light runners since they were installed last year. Wallerstedt said they have captured more than 10 accidents, including at Edgewood Road and 42nd Street NE and at Center Point Road and the Highway 100 on-ramp.

Wallerstedt said insurance companies appreciate the video evidence, as well.

“It is an independent witness, and it is infallible, unlike a witness could possibly be,” Wallerstedt said.