Unintended Consequences: Red-light Cameras Might Cause Traffic Accidents

While police officials tout the red-light cameras keeping an eye on a growing number of Arizona intersections, the revenue-generating devices are coming under increasing scrutiny. Critics point to a number of studies indicating that red-light cameras might be causing collisions rather than promoting safe driving.
Looking at the Research
A 2008 University of South Florida study states that research conducted in North Carolina, Virginia and Canada shows that crashes increased in intersections equipped with red-light cameras. Rear-end crashes were a particular problem, as drivers trying to avoid tickets for running red lights abruptly stopped their vehicles.
The studies found that red-light cameras were also associated with an increase in crashes involving injuries.
The North Carolina researchers documented an increase of 40 percent in accidents in red-light camera intersections, with a corresponding increase in the number of accidents with possible injuries.
The Virginia study conducted in 2007 showed a 29 percent increase in crashes in red-light intersections. Rear-end collisions rose 42 percent, while side crashes (or angle crashes) increased 20 percent. Injury crashes were up 18 percent.
The Winnipeg, Canada research showed a 16 percent increase in crashes (crashes in intersections without the cameras rose 8 percent), with a 2 percent rise in injury/fatality crashes in the red-light camera intersections.
Interestingly, the Canadian researchers found that injuries dropped 10 percent and fatalities dropped 12 percent at intersections at which police officers stepped-up traditional enforcement.
On the Other Hand
Two 2007 research reports of cameras installed in Philadelphia and Virginia Beach showed a dramatic decrease in red-light running by drivers there.
The Philadelphia study was by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance industry group. It found that red-light violations dropped a whopping 96 percent after cameras were installed.
Old Dominion University conducted the Virginia study. It examined signal violations at four intersections before cameras were installed, while the cameras were operational and after they were removed. A year after removal of the cameras, signal violations had more than tripled.
What Does the Conflicting Research Add Up To?
While proponents and critics of red-light cameras both like to paint the argument over the traffic control devices in broadly positive or broadly negative terms, it's clear that the research is decidedly mixed. The cameras can help make some intersections safer; they can also cause some drivers fearful of being ticketed to either slam on their brakes or accelerate dangerously in camera-equipped intersections.
The Virginia Transportation Research Council might have been closest to accurately describing the conflicting research results for the cameras when it stated in its study that the sometimes contradictory data can't be used to justify widespread installation of the cameras or wholesale elimination of them either.
The cameras should only be installed after careful deliberation by experts focused on making driving safer, rather than by government officials who might be looking for a way to raise revenues in lean times.
If you've been hurt in a red-light crash due to the presence of a camera or due to the negligence of another driver, contact an attorney who can assess the facts of your case and help you secure compensation for medical expenses and property damage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Breslo Law Firm
At The Breslo Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to handle the most complex personal injury claims, including those involving brain injuries, burn injuries and other fatal and catastrophic injuries. Attorney John C. Breslo has been practicing law for over 15 years and has a long track record of success winning monetary compensation for our valued clients.