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.

The video below provides some examples of dangerous red light violations:

The photos below are an example of the dangers of red light running:

Red light running is rampant

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 five minutes. In another study, nearly one in five motorists admit to running a red light in the last 10 intersections.

Red light running crashes are the most common & dangerous

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

Between 1992 and 2000, fatal motor crashes at traffic signals increased 19 percent, outpacing the 6 percent rise in all other fatal crashes.

Red Light Running Crashes by the Numbers

• Nationally, drivers who run red lights are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes each year.
• 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

• In many cities, the yellow light has come to symbolize "hurry up" instead of "slow down."
• 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 percent. Statistics on Boulder's photo red light program

Last Updated on Monday, 07 January 2013 14:31