Drivers Favor Red Light Safety Cameras Study Reports

WASHINGTON--June 30, 2011: Two thirds of drivers in 14 big cities with longstanding red light camera programs support their use, according to a new survey released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This study adds to the overwhelming body of evidence showing the life-saving benefits of this technology as well as strong public support for the use of red light safety cameras.

"A majority of people across the U.S. support these life-saving cameras in their communities," said David Kelly, president and executive director of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), and former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "Although a vocal minority opposes red light safety cameras, the public supports these cameras because they change dangerous driver behavior, reduce accidents and save lives."

The survey also showed that more than 90 percent of drivers surveyed in the 14 cities believe red light running is unacceptable, and more than 80 percent deem it a serious threat to personal safety.

PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS WHO SUPPORT RED LIGHT CAMERAS IN EACH OF 14 STUDY CITIES (IIHS)

These new findings follow a National Safety Council study from March demonstrating that fatal crashes at intersections with traffic lights decreased by 17 percent from 2005 to 2009, and in the same five-year period, fatal intersection crashes involving red-light running decreased by 27 percent.

Additionally, a February IIHS study found:

• In 2009, 676 people were killed and 130,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running. Nearly two-thirds of people killed in intersection crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists or occupants of other vehicles
• Red light safety cameras helped save more than 150 lives in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities from 2004 to 2008. Had the cameras been operating in all 99 U.S. cities with populations of more than 200,000, more than 800 lives could have been saved

A poll released by NCSR in February also showed that Missouri's registered voters overwhelmingly support the use of red light safety cameras. The poll found that 71 percent support the cameras at dangerous intersections, with 47 percent saying they "strongly support" the cameras.

NCSR is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings together industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens in support of red light safety camera technology.   Coalition members include the National Safety Council, Child Safety Network, National Organizations for Youth Safety, America Walks, and Red Means Stop.   NCSR receives funding from American Traffic Solutions.   NCSR helps save lives and protect communities by demonstrating how red light safety cameras can improve driver behavior.