Study: Drivers Favor Red Light Safety Cameras

Two thirds of drivers in 14 big cities with longstanding red light camera programs support their use, according to a new survey released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This study adds to the overwhelming body of evidence showing the life-saving benefits of this technology as well as strong public support for the use of red light safety cameras.

The survey also showed that more than 90 percent of drivers surveyed in the 14 cities believe red light running is unacceptable, and more than 80 percent deem it a serious threat to personal safety.

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS WHO SUPPORT RED LIGHT CAMERAS IN EACH OF 14 STUDY CITIES (IIHS)

Bakersfield, Calif. 68% Portland, Ore. 68%

Baltimore, Md. 67% Raleigh, N.C. 62%

Chandler, Ariz. 75% Sacramento, Calif. 71%

Chicago, Ill. 65% San Diego, Calif. 64%

Garland, Texas 66% Santa Ana, Calif. 54%

Long Beach, Calif. 48% Toledo, Ohio 58%

Phoenix, Ariz. 74% Washington, D.C. 78%

The findings follow a March 2011 National Safety Council study that found fatal crashes at intersections with traffic lights decreased by 17 percent from 2005 to 2009, and in the same five-year period, fatal intersection crashes involving red-light running decreased by 27 percent.

Additionally, a February IIHS study found that in 2009, 676 people were killed and 130,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running. Nearly two-thirds of people killed in intersection crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists or occupants of other vehicles.

Red light safety cameras helped save more than 150 lives in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities from 2004 to 2008. Had the cameras been operating in all 99 U.S. cities with populations of more than 200,000, more than 800 lives could have been saved.

Source: National Coalition for Safer Roads