Beware of the likely trade-off between a decrease in the frequency of right-angle crashes and an increase in the frequency of rear-end crashes when considering installation of red-light-cameras.

Experience from a national evaluation of red-light cameras

Date Posted
05/25/2010
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Identifier
2010-L00528

Safety Evaluation of Red-Light Cameras

Summary Information

A national study of the effectiveness of red-light cameras (RLC) in 132 treatment sites across seven jurisdictions in California, Maryland and North Carolina found a significant decrease in right-angle crashes, but a significant increase in rear-end crashes. The study also conducted an economic analysis to determine the extent to which the increase in rear end crashes may be negated by the benefits of the decrease in right-angle crashes. The analysis calculated per-crash costs according to crash type and severity. The results showed a modest aggregate cost benefit at RLC sites because the higher costs due to the increase in rear-end crashes did not off-set the cost savings from the decrease in right-angle crashes.

Lessons Learned

Red-light running is a significant safety problem in the United States, resulting in approximately 95,000 crashes and 1,000 fatalities annually. One ITS treatment option is to install red-light cameras as a means of deterring drivers from running red lights. Jurisdictions weighing the costs and benefits of installing RLC can gain insight from a national study of RLC. The study, based on a robust sample of RLC treatment sites, offers recommendations on deployment as well as data on the benefits and costs of RLC. Key insights from the report include the following.

  • Be mindful that RLC treatment sites are associated with a decrease in the frequency of right-angle crashes but an increase in the frequency of rear end crashes. This outcome from the 132 sites suggests that RLC as a safety intervention should be used for intersections that experience a high number of right-angle crashes compared to rear end crashes. The results also suggest that RLC should be considered for intersections that have: 1) a high ratio of right-angle crashes to rear end crashes, 2) a higher proportion of entering Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), 3) shorter cycle lengths and intergreen periods, and 4) one or more left turn protected phases.
  • Install warning signs at RLC intersections and city limits, and follow through with a good public information program on intersection safety. The presence of RLC warning signs enhances the benefits delivered by the RLC system itself. This effect is similar to the “spillover” effect in which nearby non-RLC intersections realize benefits. In addition to signage, high profile messaging through press releases, briefings and events are powerful ways to inform the public of new RLC installations. In fact, higher levels of publicity were associated with greater RLC benefits than were medium levels of publicity.
  • Bear in mind that the economic benefit of RLC may be modest but it is still important. The benefits from cost savings obtained at RLC sites by the decrease in right-angle crashes can be partially offset by the higher costs from the increase in rear-end crashes. However, the net economic benefit per treated site per year ranges from $39,000 for property-damage-only (PDO) crashes to $50,000 when PDO crashes are excluded.

The effect of RLC on the frequency of crashes varies by crash type, in which the number of right-angle crashes decrease and the number of rear end crashes increase. Therefore, RLC is most effective for intersections that have fewer rear end crashes compared to right-angle ones. To increase the effectiveness of RLC deployment, select appropriate intersections for installation and conduct a good public information campaign to inform the public of the benefits and purpose of RLC.

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