More and more communities are installing red light traffic cameras. Proponents say the cameras are intended to help reduce traffic violations. Meanwhile, opponents of red light traffic cameras claim it’s just another way for the government to intervene into the privacy of citizens. Whatever your stance is, red light traffic cameras are operating in different parts of the world. Regardless, red light traffic cameras have created a stir among many communities.Though some residents have complained about privacy issues, the traffic camera initiative is still widely supported.
But is there visible proof that such cameras actually reduce traffic violations? According to the Illinois Department of Transportation there were 911traffic related fatalities in 2009, close to 90,00 injuries, more than 100 pedestrian fatalities and 20 pedal cycle fatalities. Since then, police in various Illinois communities have reported reductions of these alarming statistics. In Naperville, installation of traffic safety cameras have decreased angle/turning crashes by 75 percent. They have also led to 33 percent reduction in crashes with injuries and almost 20 percent reduction in total collisions. Statistics in the city of Chicago show supporting data as well. Cameras installed at red lights there have reportedly led to a 32 percent reduction in fatal red light running crashes and 4 percent reduction in fatal crashes at red light intersections. Red light cameras have helped communities across the nation, including Scottsdale, Arizona and Montgomery County, Maryland, and many more. If you are involved in this type of accident please contact a good personal injury attorney immediately
If these figures aren’t enough, city officials in Columbus, Ohio adopted a “Focus on Safety” initiative, where safety cameras were installed at 20 intersections. The purpose of this was to deter drivers from running red lights, and decrease injuries and death associated with collisions. Within the first three years of the cameras being installed, there has been a nearly 50 percent reduction in drivers running red lights and 77 percent reduction in red light running crashes at photo-enforced intersections.
Most red light camera s are positioned on poles, a few yards above the actual traffic light. The cameras are directed to point inward in order to take pictures of the vehicles that drive through the intersection. Intersections usually have at least four cameras in order to get traffic from each direction.
In some communities, red light cameras have been successful in serving as a deterrent for drivers who tend to speed. Since technology has advanced, these cameras are able to track down exactly how fast your vehicle was moving through the intersection. Followed by that flashing light, you will receive a ticket in the mail, compliments of your county, town, or municipality.
Red light cameras have also helped drivers, lawyers, and insurance companies. This is because these cameras sometimes capture accidents. This footage could help make or break your claim by showing exactly what happened. Lawyers have helped their clients sue the at-fault party to help pay for medical bills. Maybe that driver will think twice about running a red light the next time he gets behind the wheel. That’s exactly why red light camera systems are starting to pop up in communities across the nation.
If you were involved in a traffic collision that might have been captured by camera, contact your city hall or police department. You should also inform your insurance company. Your agent might be able to get their hands on the camera footage, which would work in your favor, if you were not the driver at fault.
Overall there are arguments both supporting and opposing the use of red light traffic cameras. However, there’s is growing support for this type of technology because it has been associated with a reduction of collisions, fatalities, and instances of drivers running red-lights. Skeptics of traffic cameras say it’s an intrusion of privacy. Others say the cameras can be a distraction for drivers.
Since the 1980′s, many municipalities have reported red-light violations increasing by upwards of 10 percent. Communities such as Naperville and Chicago, Illinois have studied the impact of these cameras and have concluded the results, just as they expected. Traffic camera’s have helped save lives. It has also made drivers slower behind the wheel, which decreases the chance of erratic driving. With growing data supporting red light camera systems, and the money coming in from violations, it’s no wonder you’re starting to see more flashing lights at intersections in your town.
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