Experience with automated red light running enforcement in Arizona.
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
The Impact of Red Light Cameras (Automated Enforcement) on Safety in Arizona
Summary Information
Red light running cameras (RLCs) have been used as a countermeasure to reduce red light running and associated crashes in a number of US cities; however, there are few evaluations of their effect on motor vehicle crashes and crash costs. This study prepared by the Arizona DOT in 2005 was designed to estimate the safety impacts of RLCs on traffic crashes at signalized intersections in the State of Arizona. The scope of the study was to compare and contrast the impact of the RLC on safety at approaches with installed cameras and the impact of the RLC on safety at all approaches, testing for the spillover effect of the RLCs on non-camera approaches.
Surveys were distributed to 5 jurisdictions. After the findings of the surveys were summarized, two jurisdictions, Phoenix and Scottsdale were found to provide the most relevant data and therefore were selected as the basis for further analysis. The survey responses and the data collected during site visits were used to develop the datasets necessary to evaluate the safety effectiveness of the RLCs and develop clear and concise operational definitions needed to conduct the analysis.
- A simple before-after study.
- A before-after study with traffic flow corrections.
- A before-after study with a comparison group.
- An empirical Bayesian analysis to correct for potential regression-to-the-mean effects.
RESULTS
City of Phoenix
- Right angle crashes were reduced 14 percent.
- Left-turn crashes were reduced 1 percent.
- Rear-end crashes increased 20 percent.
- Spillover effects did not appear to be present.
- Right angle crashes were reduced 17 percent.
- Left-turn crashes were reduced 40 percent.
- Rear-end crashed increased 45 percent.
- Spillover effects were present and were relatively high.
