Traffic safety is one of the most important things drivers need to practice, and red-light running is one of the most common types of accidents seen on the road. That’s why many states have implemented red light cameras in their communities.
Where are the Cameras?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), red light cameras aren’t used nearly as much as they should be in many states. Here are some IIHS statistics on red light camera use:
Within the US:
- There are 27 states that have no red light cameras in use.
- There are 15 states (plus D.C.) that have red light and speed cameras.
- There are 8 states that have only red light cameras in use.
Major cities that use red light cameras:
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington, D.C.
As of January 2018:
- 422 communities have red light camera programs.
- 143 communities have speed camera programs.
Red Light Camera Benefits
Red light cameras are meant to do more good than harm for drivers. The idea of having cameras always on may sound intimidating, but the IIHS lists three main things these cameras do to busy roads:
- Cameras discourage red-light running – They fill voids that police officers are unable to cover. Because the cameras are always there, people are more likely to obey traffic rules. Cameras have been proven to decrease red-light running crashes in major cities by 21 percent.
- The cameras don’t violate privacy – The cameras are positioned to see the moving vehicles and the area surrounding the road and are only used to monitor red-light running.
- Assist with proper signal timing – The cameras can detect if an intersection’s yellow lights are appropriately timed with traffic. If they aren’t, enforcement agencies are able to adjust them in order to better prevent traffic accidents.
Don’t Run on Red
Never run a red light. Always be aware of your surroundings and proceed with caution when making right turns on red. No matter where you’re going, your safety, and that of others, should be your number one priority on the road.
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