Red Light Cameras Case Study

Register to read the introduction… He indicates that most of the reports and studies completed regarding cameras causing a reduction in crashes are funded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or researchers funded by them. (Rispo, 2009) While insurance rates do not increase based on red light tickets, they do increase when there is an accident, so insurance companies benefit from red light cameras as well. Rispo interviewed professor and chair of health policy and management of University of South Florida College of Public Health who said, "The rigorous studies clearly show red-light cameras don't work, instead they increase crashes and injuries as drivers attempt to abruptly stop at camera intersections." (Rispo, 2009) Many drivers who slam on their brakes to avoid the red light cameras have other drivers behind them who are not anticipating the abrupt stop and who may be following too closely, thus resulting in a rear end …show more content…
While driver safety seems to be the supposed reason for camera programs, it is apparent by the facts that the revenue generated seems to be the motivating factor. This is obtrusively evident when there are viable alternatives to reducing red light runners, crashes and injuries. Rather than capitalizing on the "driving crimes" of citizens, perhaps the local governments should concentrate their efforts on eliminating them by alternative efforts thus preventing the ever widening gap of government …show more content…
A. (1999, Nov, Dec). AAA Michigan Program Prevents Crashes One Intersection at a Time. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Progress Report . Michigan, Detroit: AAA. Garrett, R. (2009). Red light/Green light. Officer.com. Goldstein, D. (2009, Nov 9). Do Cameras Make Intersections More Dangerous? Retrieved Feb 2010, from cbs2.com: http://cbs2.com/goldstein/Red.Light.Cameras.2.1301941.html I.I.H.S. (2009, Dec). Q & As: Red Light Cameras. Retrieved Feb 2010, from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/rlr.html MSNBC. (2009, March 13). Retrieved from msnbc.msn.com: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29681527/?GT1=43001 National Motorists Association. (2008, March 26). Retrieved from National Motorists Association: http://blog.motorists.org/6-cities-that-were-caught-shortening-yellow-light-times-for-profit/ Rispo, V. (2009). Retrieved Feb 2010, from Ride Lust: http://www.ridelust.com/red-light-cameras-just-dont-work/ Skrum. (2001). Press Release, Red Light Camera Citations Down. Retrieved Feb 2010, from