Study: Red-light cameras prevent fatal crashes
Latest study shows red-light cameras successful
The Temple Terrace Police Department hands out $100 tickets for red light violations.
Posted: 02/02/2011
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Red-light cameras reduce fatal accidents, according to a study from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
The institute studied fatal accidents in 14 large cities, some of which utilize red-light cameras and some of which do not. The cities that did reduced fatal crashes by 24 percent, saving 159 lives.
A total of 815 lives would have been saved in all large cities, if the cameras had been used over a five-year period, the study showed.
Not all research done on the topic concurs with this study though. Other studies have shown that, while red-light cameras do appear to limit so-called T-bone crashes, they increase rear-end crashes.
Because of the discrepancy in the studies, the Clearwater City Council decided not to use red-light cameras at 10 to 12 intersections as they had originally planned.
Instead, in December, they chose to try red-light cameras at 1 or 2 intersections and see if they would actually reduce crashes. So far, they have not decided on which intersections to install the cameras.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PRINT
Top Stories
-
Conn. train crash sends 60 to hospital
Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says a total of 60 people have been taken to hospitals with injuries from a collision between two New York-area commuter trains.
-
I-Team: Drowning video raises questions
-
Rays hold on to beat O's 12-10
-
Company offers home invasion insurance
-
2 jump in pond to save disabled veteran
-
Report: Michael Phelps planning comeback
