Do Arizona's Red-Light Cameras Make Intersections Safer?

Debate about the safety and effectiveness of red light cameras continues in many Arizona cities.

2012-11-06

November 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) This is the question that many Arizona city and county officials are asking as they attempt to determine how red-light cameras impact road safety. There is debate whether such programs decrease auto accidents, and if red-light cameras should continue to be used.

Red-light cameras are used in intersections to enforce traffic laws. The cameras take pictures of motorists who run traffic lights and the city then issues a traffic citation to the driver through the mail.

Camera companies - two of which are based in Arizona - opine that red-light cameras are safe, cost-effective and reduce the number and severity of intersection accidents. Critics of the cameras argue that the red-light cameras cause drivers to stop at the very last minute, causing more crashes and making intersections more dangerous.

The debate has caused several Arizona cities to cancel their camera programs:
- Peoria canceled its contact with a red-light camera company after statistics showed an increase of accidents in monitored intersections. The police data reviewed revealed a 29 percent increase in accidents at intersections with red-light cameras.
- El Mirage stopped its red-light camera operation this spring when it was revealed that hundreds of drivers were overcharged on their traffic tickets.

Avondale and Glendale have also recently ended their red-light camera programs.

What the Data Says...

In 2005, the Federal Highway Administration analyzed red-light cameras at 132 sites in seven different areas across the nation. The study revealed that red-light cameras do not have a large impact on car accident reduction.

The study found intersections with red-light cameras installed saw a 25 percent reduction of T-bone or angle crashes but a 15 percent increase in rear-end crashes. The economic analysis in the research revealed that there was a "modest" advantage to using the red-light cameras.

What if You Have Been Injured in an ArizonaIntersection Accident?

There is recourse for motorists who are injured in auto accidents by negligent drivers who run red lights or slam on the brakes to avoid being caught by red-light cameras. These accidents are difficult to avoid for innocent motorists who often have little, to zero, time to react. Such intersection collisions may result in serious or even fatal injuries.

Debate about the safety and effectiveness of red light cameras continues in many Arizona cities.

Injured motorists may be able to recover for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If an intersection accident has left you injured consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights and options.

Article provided by Wright & Gallagher
Visit us at www.azinjurycentral.com/

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Do Arizona's Red-Light Cameras Make Intersections Safer?

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