Drivers Protected With Use of Traffic Cameras

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study released April 26 reveals that cameras capturing red-light runners may also stop collisions and injuries, as reported by the Associated Press.

Focusing on the California city of Oxnard some 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, the study looked at areas where cameras were installed at 11 of 125 intersections four years ago. Since that time, the study indicated that the number of accidents throughout Oxnard decreased seven percent and crashes resulting in injuries fell 29 percent. A previous study by the institute discovered that red light running decreased by some 40 percent in Oxnard and in Fairfax, Va., following camera enforcement.

While both studies have failed to establish a link between using the cameras and preventing accidents and injury, the most recent research seems to indicate that the presence of cameras may in part have led to “general changes in motorists’ behavior,” resulting in fewer accidents.

According to an IIHS report, red light cameras are in place in some 50 cities across the country.

The camera’s purpose is to record a photograph of a vehicle’s license plate – and in a number of states, the driver – at the time of a red light violation.

Topics Personal Auto