Red light safety cameras are an effective means of preventing crash-related deaths and injuries, according to a new study by the Texas Transportation Institute.

The study, conducted by TTI’s Center for Transportation Safety, examined more than 11,000 crash records at the 275 Texas intersections where cameras were in place. It compared crash frequencies in each of the three years before and after the installation of the red light safety cameras. The study is one of the most extensive thus far in the nation.

“This new research adds to the overwhelming body of evidence showing the life-saving benefits of red light safety cameras,” said David Kelly, president and executive director of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), and former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “We know that the increased use of red light safety cameras is making drivers more aware of their behavior, reducing accidents and saving lives. If we want to continue to see these positive trends, not only in Texas, but nationwide, we must continue to utilize these life-saving devices. These cameras make our intersections safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

 

Highlights of the study:

  • There was an overall reduction of 633 crashes, representing an 11 percent decline statewide
  • Red light-related crashes dropped by 25 percent
  • Right angle or T-bone crashes (the most severe type) dropped by 32 percent
  • Reductions in crashes were seen across the board on all types of roadways, including business/primary roads, farm-to-market roads, interstate access roads, state highways, and U.S. highways
  • There was a 23 percent reduction in crash frequency from one year before to one year after cameras were put into use

“These findings show clearly that red light cameras offer significant safety benefits,” said Troy Walden, author of the TTI study. “Most important, they help prevent the most severe and deadly type of intersection crashes.”

The full Texas Transportation Institute report can be found at Evaluation of Photographic Traffic Signal Enforcement Systems in Texas (PDF).

NCSR is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings together industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens in support of red light safety camera technology. Coalition members include the National Safety Council, Child Safety Network, National Organizations for Youth Safety, America Walks, and Red Means Stop. NCSR receives funding from American Traffic Solutions. NCSR helps save lives and protect communities by demonstrating how red light safety cameras can improve driver behavior. For more information, visit http://SafeRoadsSaveLives.org/, follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA.