By Robert Zirgulis
I still am waiting for “specific details” on information the City Council cited on May 12 as to why they approved red light cameras for safety reasons.
I did a simple Google search on reports of red light camera safety statistics. Here is just one of many articles:
Red Light Cameras Increase Accidents
Red light cameras are touted as devices that increase intersection safety. However, information is quickly surfacing that shows the inaccuracy of that belief.
One source that is highlighting the increase in accidents is the media. Because so many studies are showing an increase in collisions at red light camera intersections, various news outlets are conducting their own studies in this phenomenon. Below is a small sampling of these reports.
Reports From The Media
Los Angeles | KCAL TV
A local TV station fact-checked the city's claims that their ticket cameras reduced accidents. They found the opposite was true. At 20 of the 32 intersections studied, accidents increased. Several intersections tripled their accident rate.
Washington, D.C. | Washington Post
This report showed an overall 107 percent increase in accidents at red-light camera intersections.
Portland, Oregon | KATU News
KATU News reviewed city statistics and found a 140 percent increase in rear-end crashes at the intersections where red light cameras were installed.
Fort Collins, Colorado | The Coloradoan
Fort Collins has experienced an 83 percent increase in the number of accidents since red light cameras were installed.
Oceanside, California | North County Times
This report showed an 800 percent increase in rear-end accidents.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Philadelphia Weekly
This article showed an increase of 10 to 21 percent in accidents in intersections with red-light cameras.
Corpus Christi, Texas | TheNewspaper.com
Data released by the city showed that the total number of accidents in Corpus Christi increased 14 percent, from 310 incidents to 353, at nine locations where automated ticketing machines were stationed. Contrary to the claim that red light cameras reduce the severity of collisions, the number of accidents involving injuries increased 28 percent from 140 to 179. Rear-end collisions increased by nearly one-third, from 160 to 208.
Winnipeg, Ontario | Winnipeg Sun
The average number of collisions at Winnipeg’s 12 original red-light camera intersections has jumped 18 percent since the devices were installed in 2003, according to Manitoba Public Insurance data obtained by the Winnipeg Sun. Despite claims by politicians and police brass that intersection cameras are making our streets safer by reducing collisions, the MPI data shows after six years of use, crashes at the intersections are actually going up, not down.
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
