Study: Red light cameras turn off, deadly car crashes rise

WASHINGTON — Red light cameras reduce accidents and save lives, according to a new study.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report found that cities that turn off their red light cameras saw a nearly 30 percent increase in deadly crashes when compared to similar-sized cities in their region that have the cameras in use. The report says 1,300 lives were saved in 79 large U.S. cities with red light programs through 2014.

“It’s something for a community to think about,” said Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. ”They’re going to have real-life ramifications and lives are going to be lost if you remove the cameras.”

Many communities continue to install red light cameras, but the IIHS study found 158 communities nationwide that have abandoned the program in the last 5 years.

Adkins said the study provides the first evidence that cities that turned off the red light cameras are seeing more deadly crashes. The report also found a 21 percent decrease in traffic accidents at intersections with working red light cameras compared to those where they were never installed.

“We don’t want this to be a ‘gotcha,'” said Adkins. “We want everyone to know ‘There’s a camera over there, I’m going to have to slow down or get a ticket.'”

Red light cameras are not without their detractors. AAA Mid-Atlantic manager for public affairs John Townsend said the automotive group supports the use of red light cameras for public safety, but has taken a stance against cities that are using them as revenue generators.

“When they were installed, people were told the cameras would prevent the most serious type of crashes,” said Townsend. "80 percent of all tickets are for right turns on red, not for straight-through violations. They’re creating this backlash because the people of the United States are sold a bill of goods.”

Townsend said fewer people are driving through red lights, but cities are still ticketing them. Townsend said that sometimes the tickets are for stopping short of the light but could be for having a tire on the crosswalk box.

“If you stop short and avoid running the red light, you still end up with $150 ticket?" Townsend asked. “How can that be fair in the name of justice?”

Adkins acknowledged that there have been some “bad apples” taking advantage of the system, but said the new report proves that red light cameras save lives.

“It’s a serious problem, and the public does support these cameras in their neighborhoods and school zones,” Adkins said. “We just need to make sure they're implemented the right ways."

The report estimates that red light running crashes caused 709 deaths in 2014 and about 126,000 injuries.

Cox Media Group