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Do Red Light Cameras Reduce Accidents in Florida?

A February 2011 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds that camera enforcement in 14 large U.S. cities reduced the rate of fatal red-light-running crashes by 24 percent, the National Safety Council reports.

In its conclusions the IIHS also estimates that the rate of all fatal crashes, not just red-light-running, was 17 percent lower than what would have been expected without cameras.

The study covered fatal intersection crashes from 2004 to 2008 in 14 cities with red-light cameras and 48 cities without camera enforcement. According to the IIHS, had red light cameras been in place during the same period in all 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000, a total of 815 deaths could have been avoided.

Commenting on the study, the Governors Highway Safety Association reminds drivers that nearly two-thirds of intersection crash fatalities are people other than the lawbreaking driver. Cameras at intersections have proven to inhibit drivers who tend to accelerate when lights turn to red, instead of coming to a halt. Most vehicles reduce their speed at intersections fitted with cameras.

Florida can do better, ranking in the top five highest intersection crash fatalities nationwide. Every year, more cities and counties install red-light cameras, and it is hoped that Florida will follow the trend in order to bring appalling highway accident statistics under control.

Experience has shown that when rules are enforced, they are obeyed.

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