One year after 12-year-old Emery Chalekian was killed by a driver running a red light, community advocates in Encinitas are renewing calls for street safety changes. They want the city to take concrete steps now. Their main asks include reinstating red-light cameras and setting up a reformed red light camera program.
Emery Chalekian was killed when a driver ran a red light. The crash shocked the neighborhood and focused attention on intersections where drivers speed through signals.
Local advocates say reinstating red-light cameras would help deter dangerous driving. They argue cameras can change driver behavior and reduce the chance of similar crashes.
Those pushing for change also want a reformed red light camera program. They say a reformed program could address past problems while still holding drivers accountable.
The goal of these proposals is simple: make streets safer and prevent more tragedies. Advocates say safety improvements could save lives and give families peace of mind.
As the anniversary passes, the community remains focused on those goals. Advocates plan to keep pressing city leaders to act and to push for changes that they say will protect residents.
