DEBATE IN ILLINOIS RAGES REGARDING THE USE OF RED LIGHT CAMERAS
Red light cameras have been sprouting up all across the nation, nabbing drivers who violate red lights and arguably preventing accidents and saving lives. However, new studies conclude that these cameras actually INCREASE crashes and injuries. Consequently, opponents of the cameras have a new argument in their arsenal: safety.
A 2007 Virginia Department of Transportation study found that the cameras were associated with a 29% increase in total crashes. A 2006 Canadian study reported a whopping 58% increase in the number of traffic collisions from 2003 to 2004. The Washington Post found that crashes at locations with cameras more than doubled, from 265 in 1998 to 755 in 2004. Researchers found that people slam on their brakes to avoid getting a ticket in the mail. These sudden stops often result in rear-end collisions when the vehicle(s) following behind fail to react quickly enough.
Supporters of red light cameras argue that rear-end accidents are less serious than t-bone accidents, but the validity of this argument is in doubt. The Washington Post reported in 2005 that injury and fatal crashes at intersections with cameras increased by a startling 81%.
The debate regarding the use of red light cameras is certain to rage on. Personally, I can see both sides of the argument, but these studies highlight concerns that legislators should consider and discuss.
Jeffrey J. Kroll and his team has represented a number of people who have been involved in rear-end collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end accident, please contact us.
