Friday, February 25, 2005
Red-light cameras increase collisions, injuries
A study by an engineer at the University of Virginia has found that red-light cameras increase rather than reduce the number of accidents and injuries. The study found that the cameras reduced the number of "t-bone" accidents, though not the number of injuries resulting from those accidents. But the cameras increased the number of rear-end collisions.
The above link is to an article in the Vancouver Sun that allows feedback from readers. Much of the feedback is from people who blame the accidents on the drivers. This is not entirely correct. Highway designers have a responsibility to their users to design safe highways. Most traffic engineers agree that design changes that lead to more accidents and injuries should be avoided. Unfortunately, in their zeal to "get people out of their cars," most urban planners seem willing to sacrifice safety to create more annoying driving conditions.
You can also read about this study in the Washington Post (free registration required). I haven't found the study itself on line but if someone does, please let me know.
The above link is to an article in the Vancouver Sun that allows feedback from readers. Much of the feedback is from people who blame the accidents on the drivers. This is not entirely correct. Highway designers have a responsibility to their users to design safe highways. Most traffic engineers agree that design changes that lead to more accidents and injuries should be avoided. Unfortunately, in their zeal to "get people out of their cars," most urban planners seem willing to sacrifice safety to create more annoying driving conditions.
You can also read about this study in the Washington Post (free registration required). I haven't found the study itself on line but if someone does, please let me know.
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