Red Light Cameras May Not Reduce Accidents

Red light cameras are installed to decrease the number of dangerous accidents that occur due to drivers who run red lights. However, the jury is still out on whether or not they are effective.

These cameras are strategically placed in intersections where dangerous right angle collisions are common. Although the cameras sound like an effective safety measure, experts state that these types of crashes are relatively rare, so the cameras may not be as useful as they seem. The Brampton Guardian recently ran an article about Peel’s red light camera program, noting that statistics about red light camera effectiveness in preventing accidents are inconsistent.

Part of the problem pointed out by experts is that drivers often brake abruptly to avoid being photographed by the camera, thereby causing rear-end collisions. Other experts note that rear-end crashes are less dangerous than other types of accidents and insist that the cameras are effective.

The Guardian article also emphasizes the fact that Peel, which includes Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon, generates substantial revenue from red light camera tickets. In Mississauga, for example, tickets are $325. Last year, over 7,000 tickets were issued using red light cameras. Because of the large amounts of revenue generated by the cameras, the reasoning behind their implementation is often questioned.

Although Peel’s traffic safety employees have reported fewer right angle collisions since the cameras were installed, the Guardian has uncovered conflicting data, finding that cameras do not necessarily prevent accidents. Over 600 accidents occurred in red light camera intersections in 2014. Of these, fewer than 30 were serious “T-bone” collisions, and only nine were caught by the monitors. Of the 757 collisions that occurred in 2013, 22 were right angle collisions, and only six of them happened in lanes monitored by red light cameras.

To read more about the track record of red light cameras, click here.

Whether these cameras will prove to be effective in making our roads safer still remains to be seen. Even with technologies designed to prevent accidents, crashes will still occur. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash involving a red light camera, you are likely entitled to benefits. Find out more about your rights by consulting with a personal injury lawyer.