Running a red light in California is a traffic violation. According to studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the installation of red-light cameras can reduce these violations by around 40%. Not only that, but cameras can lower the number of fatalities that arise from red-light running crashes.
The problem is that cameras are losing the public’s support due largely to the bad example of certain cities. In 2014, for example, Chicago had the largest red-light camera system in the U.S. as well as the shortest yellow light duration allowable. It generated more revenue through traffic tickets, but at the same time, it saw more rear-end collisions as drivers would brake to a sudden stop rather than risk being detected by the camera.
There are ways, though, for communities to build support for cameras. The IIHS, the National Safety Council and other organizations provide checklists for doing this. From the start, communities should know which intersections are the most dangerous and then target those violations that pose the greatest threat to everyone’s safety. They should publicize the early stages of implementation. Community members should have a voice. For example, some may be included on the advisory committee, and all should be able to provide input when the program is reviewed.
Red-light cameras can, by extension, reduce the number of personal injury claims that are filed. Filing a claim can be a complicated process, but it’s what the victims of a crash must do if they wish to be compensated for their losses, such as the cost of medical treatment and their lost wages. Before moving forward, victims may want a lawyer to evaluate their case. If retained, the lawyer may strive for a fair settlement, leaving litigation as a last resort.
