One would think that red light cameras at intersections would keep our roads safer. As it turns out, the opposite may be true.

At a recent joint meeting of Durham Region’s works, finance and administration committees, Oshawa city councilors voted that red light cameras were not only unnecessary, but potentially dangerous. In terms of potential danger, it was decided that red light cameras might cause even more rear-end collisions as drivers frantically hit their brakes in order to avoid a fine.

They also decided that the cameras were unnecessary because of recent safety efforts already underway, such as the increased presence of police officers on the streets for specific safety campaigns (like the “Back to School” safety campaign that we have previously blogged about), or initiatives that try to determine the best timing for traffic lights. They said that over the last decade, traffic-related fatalities have been reduced by nearly half.

Arguably, however, red light cameras are still necessary. They have been proven to reduce the number of crashes that result from a driver running a red light. Moreover, drivers often exercise more caution when they know there are cameras around and that they are being watched.

The article advocates for preventative as opposed to punitive measures to keep our roads and intersections safer, such as the implementation of roundabouts to replace intersections as was done in Carmel, Indiana. With the arrival of the roundabouts, the number of injury-causing accidents had dropped 80 per cent in Carmel, and the number of accidents in total has dropped 40 per cent.
If you are ever involved in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to speak to an accident lawyer.

Until roundabouts become a feasible option for large cities or small communities, and regardless of whether red light cameras are put in place in your municipality, it is important to drive defensively and obey all traffic signs. After all, you never know who or what is watching you.