A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims red light cameras can reduce fatal traffic accidents. You may be thinking, “I seriously hate those things”, but the research claims these cameras save hundreds of lives each year. The cameras are frequently used at intersections to catch drivers running red lights. There has been controversy surrounding whether these cameras are being utilized to maximize public safety or to collect revenue through issuing tickets.

To gather data for its study, IIHS compared 14 cities that banned the cameras with 29 that kept their camera programs in place. Researchers then looked at crash data between 2010 and 2014. After researchers accounted for other causes of car accidents, they concluded removing the cameras led to a 30 percent increase in crashes involving drivers running red lights while passing through intersections.

Many people killed by these accidents are cyclists and pedestrians, not just other drivers. IIHS’s study claims red light cameras have saved 1,300 lives since going into operation.

AAA’s research director also claims red light cameras can improve public safety if used correctly – meaning they are installed in intersections with high accident rates. If IIHS’s study is accurate, dangerous intersections around the country could see a drop in fatalities by using red light cameras.

Are Red Light Cameras Used in Colorado?

Red light cameras have also become a contested issued among Colorado lawmakers. House Bill 16-1231, which was vetoed by Gov. John Hickenlooper, would have banned the use of red light cameras. At the moment, red light cameras are still used in several cities throughout Colorado. In Denver, red light cameras are used in residential areas and school or work zones. Colorado drivers can receive fines or lose points on their license for running red lights.

The Colorado personal injury attorneys at Metier Law Firm encourage safe and responsible driving.