Red Light Running Fatalities Are Increasing

Intersections are the convergence point for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. For this reason, these locations on local, state, and federal highways are often the most dangerous zones for crashes to occur.

A particular type of intersection accident that too often ends in a fatality is when a vehicle runs a red light. These fatal accidents have been on the increase in recent years. From 2012 to 2016, fatal incidents of running a red light increased by 17 percent. In the 2016, red light running accidents resulted in 811 fatalities as opposed to 696 and 2012. The 2016 toll represents the largest number of deaths resulting from running a red light since 2007, when 914 such fatalities occurred.

Recent decrease in red light camera programs

Urban vehicle crashes often involved a vehicle running a red light. More than half the time, the persons killed in these accidents are pedestrians, bicyclists, or individuals in vehicles other than the red light violator.

The installation and use of red light cameras at intersections has been demonstrated to reduce the number of red light running accidents. However, throughout the nation a number of these programs have been set aside. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHS), a 30 percent increase in fatal red light running accidents occurred in cities where the use of red light cameras was discontinued.

In 2018, 421 red light camera programs were operating in the U.S. this is a 20 percent reduction from the 533 operating in 2012. Particular factors motivating the reduction in camera monitoring at red lights include local opposition to the programs, fewer citations due to the camera monitoring, and financial hindrances.

Automated enforcement checklist

In order to effectively address the problem of fatal and nonfatal vehicle collisions resulting from red light running, a number of important vehicle safety organizations in the U.S. have banded together to create an automated enforcement checklist. The participating organizations are the National Safety Council, Automobile Association of America (AAA), and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

IIHS holds the position that automated enforcement has a track record of increasing roadway safety and reducing the number of fatalities. At the same time, it acknowledges that an active and healthy economic environment can also contribute to red light running accidents.

The checklist is meant to be utilized by policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and government officials.

Efforts are focused on future planning and maintaining current programs. However, a robust public relations effort is also necessary. IIHS holds to the view that the public strongly supports camera monitoring at red lights as long as they believe the motives of law enforcement are to prevent crashes and not to simply increase revenue.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another driver, our Chicago car accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers can help. We have the resources and experience to advocate skillfully on your behalf for the financial compensation you are owed for your losses. To arrange a free case evaluation, call our law office today at 312-600-9585 or send us a request through our contact form.