State Audit of California Red Light Camera Programs Confirms Effectiveness in Reducing Crashes

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The California Board of Audits has completed its review of red light camera programs in California, finding the programs to be effective in reducing red light running crashes. "Statewide collision data indicates a 10 percent drop in accidents caused by motorists running red lights in areas with red light cameras compared to no change in the number of accidents in other areas," the report says. The report also notes that red light running crashes have increased 14 percent in San Diego since the camera program was suspended last year.

"Red light running is a reckless and preventable traffic safety menace and red light cameras provide a solution that works," said Monica Zech of the El Cajon Fire Department. "It's a matter of saving lives. The sooner we resume these lifesaving programs in California, the better."

In the year 2000, intersection crashes in California resulted in 17,705 injuries and 172 fatalities. Each year red light running crashes result in nearly 1,000 deaths and about 90,000 injuries nationally. Between 1992 and 1998 red light crashes increased at an alarming 18 percent. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 96 percent of drivers fear being hit by a red light runner upon entering an intersection, yet 55.8 percent admit to running red lights. The leading excuse is "being in a hurry!" This sense of entitlement -- my time is more valuable than your safety -- combined with a low expectation of being caught is responsible for rampant disrespect for the rules of the road.

"My 8-year-old son Brent was killed by a woman speeding through a red light because she was late to work," said Toni Adams of Brea, California. "Our family will never be whole again. Those seconds saved by running a red light can cost someone their life, and that's a simple fact that too many people forget. Red light cameras can be a very effective deterrent."

Public support of and confidence in this proven effective technology are important to the overall safety benefits of red light camera programs. The Board of Audits report was produced in response to a request from the California legislature and also makes recommendations for improvements in operational aspects of the programs.

Other studies of safety effectiveness in specific localities have also shown dramatic results. A recent audit of the San Diego program found that the number of crashes caused by motorists who run red lights dropped 44 percent at intersections with red light cameras thus proving the cameras' effectiveness and demonstrated safety benefits. Additionally, the red light camera program in Oxnard, California has resulted in a 46 percent reduction in injury causing crashes involving signal or sign violations.

"Aggressive driving is not a right and red light cameras present no threat of any sort to safe drivers. But, getting people to change their behavior requires consistent enforcement. With photo enforcement, we can reverse the trend toward this irresponsible behavior," said Leslie Blakey, executive director of the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running.

The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running was created in response to a groundswell of concern from many areas of the country struggling to reverse this disturbing trend. The goal of the Campaign is to reduce the incidence of red light running in the United States and the fatalities and injuries it causes.