Red-light cameras increase intersection collisions, Florida study finds

Red-light camera intersections established to improve traffic safety by discouraging drivers from running red lights have actually increased the number of intersection crashes, a University of South Florida Health Review article suggests.
The University of South Florida research cites a number of studies, including a 2003 Ontario study, in support of its contention that red-light cameras at intersections are not as effective at promoting safety as the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests.
“Increased rear-end crashes were a particular problem and may occur as drivers attempt to stop abruptly in order to avoid a ticket,” notes the Florida study, Red Light Running Cameras: Would Crashes Injuries and Automobile Insurance Rates Increase if They Are Used in Florida?
“The studies also found cameras were associated with increased injury crashes or crashes with possible injuries.”
The Florida study quotes a number of U.S. studies, as well as a 2003 study conducted by Synectics on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario. The Ontario study evaluated two “interventions” cameras and stepped-up police enforcement in six Ontario jurisdictions following a public information campaign.
The Ontario camera intersections, the Florida research study reports, had a 16% increase in the number of crashes, as opposed to an 8% increase at comparison intersections.
The Ontario study also showed a 2% increase in the frequency of fatal crashes at red-light camera intersections, as opposed to 10% and 12% decreases in collisions, respectively, at stepped-up police enforcement and other comparison intersections.