Why Have Photo Red Light Enforcement
Red light running is a very hazardous driving behavior
Running a red light is a serious problem. Nationwide, red light running is considered one of the most dangerous behaviors on U.S. roadways.
Red light running is rampant
A study conducted over several months at a busy intersection outside Washington, D.C., indicates that motorists frequently run red lights. On average, a motorist ran a red light every 12 minutes. During peak travel times, red light running was more frequent. For example, between 8 and 9 a.m., a motorist ran a red light every 5 minutes. In another study, nearly one in five motorists admit to running a red light in the last ten intersections.
Red light running crashes are the most common & dangerous
Red light running crashes are among the most common and dangerous of crash types. A study found that, compared with all other types of urban crashes, those involving signal violations are the most likely to cause injuries. Traffic accidents caused by red light running are among the most serious, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Motorists are more likely to be severely injured in crashes involving red light running than in any other type of crashes. Occupant injuries occurred in 45 percent of the red light running crashes studied, compared with 30 percent for other crash types.
Red light running is greater in cities, like Boulder
The problem in America's cities is even greater, as running red lights is the most frequent cause of urban automobile crashes.
Red light running crashes by the numbers
- Between 1992 and 2000, fatal motor crashes at traffic signals increased 19 percent, outpacing the 6 percent rise in all other fatal crashes.
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Nationally, drivers who run red lights are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes each year.
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Approximately 1,000 people die each year.
- Another 200,000 are injured because of a motorist running a red light.
- The annual cost of red light running in the United States is $14 billion.
Innocents are harmed disproportionately
More than half of the deaths in red light running crashes are pedestrians and occupants in other vehicles who are hit by the red light runners, so there is no debate that red light runners are dangerous drivers who irresponsibly put others at risk.
People run red lights because they are in a hurry
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In many cities, the yellow light has come to symbolize "hurry up" instead of "slow down."
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The leading excuse given for red light running was neither frustration nor road rage; it was "being in a hurry."
Red light cameras significantly decrease violations
According to recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, red light camera programs can decrease red light violations up to 60%. For statistics on Boulder's photo red light program click here.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 April 2009 02:27
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