Yet red light running is one of the most common factors in crashes and fatalities, the numbers of which have been rising. All states have traffic laws that specifically require “obedience to traffic control signals and devices” (or similarly-worded language), meaning that drivers must observe and obey all traffic lights and stop signs when operating vehicles.
In 2016, more than 800 people died in incidents related to red light running, an increase of 17 percent from 2012. One of the main reasons, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), is the lack of red light camera programs. Fortunately, we do have such a program here in Portland, where signs are posted on all major streets and ahead of each camera-enforced intersection. A violation occurs when a driver enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red.
But Portland is one of relatively few. As of July 2018, just 421 communities across the country had red light camera programs, down from 533 in 2012.
Commonly cited reasons for ending programs included a reduction in camera citations (tickets), financial issues and community opposition. Opponents often believe the cameras are not a safety measure, but a revenue-generating measure. But the IIHS says that the data supports the argument that red light cameras do indeed improve safety.
“We know turning off cameras results in more crashes, injuries and deaths, so it’s important that camera programs succeed,’’ said David Harkey, president of the IIHS. “While new programs continue to be added, more were discontinued than were initiated.’’
Practical information
The IIHS recently completed an analysis of national fatality figures, which prompted it to partner with several other safety organizations to develop a checklist to help communities create and maintain successful programs.
“We developed the guidelines to help communities avoid the problems that have undermined programs in the past,” Harkey added.
The checklist, which provides practical information and recommendations for planning, implementing and evaluating red light camera programs, including steps to help communities build and maintain public support, was released during the summer by the IIHS, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and the National Safety Council.
“Red light cameras can play a role in improving traffic safety for all road users and should be placed where they can benefit a community, like at intersections with high numbers of fatalities,” says Jill Ingrassia, AAA’s managing director of Government Relations and Traffic Safety Advocacy. “When properly implemented, red light cameras can help save lives and can serve to supplement law enforcement efforts, rather than generate revenue for governments. This new set of guidelines is an excellent starting point in ensuring adequate safeguards are put in place to maintain the public’s trust.”
Red light running is one of the most common factors in urban crashes. More than half the people killed in red-light-running crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists and people in other vehicles hit by the red light runners.
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