Blinded by the light

This article discusses the use of red light enforcement cameras at junctions in the USA. Academic research proposes that engineering solutions can be preferable to enforcement cameras, as drivers are not consistent in the way they change their behaviour. Sharp braking at junctions can lead to an increase in collisions, but alternatively behaviour not formerly seen as risky is treated as a violation by an automatic camera. Insurance companies encourage use of cameras, as violations bring an increase in premiums within the affected area. Engineering solutions suggested include a slight lengthening of the yellow phase of the lights; signal heads clearly visible for each separate traffic lane; and increased safety at junctions. Research in favour of cameras includes the fact that red light running causes many fatalities and injuries. Camera use has been shown to reduce the number of injury crashes: and rear-end collisions are common at signalised junctions, with or without cameras. Over time, in-vehicle technology such as collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control could prevent such crashes altogether.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32663949
• Authors:
  • Smyth, L
• Publication Date: 2008-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 18-19,21-23
• Serial:
  • Traffic Technology International
  • Publisher: AutoIntermediates Limited
  • ISSN: 1356-9252
  • Serial URL: http://www.ukipme.com/mag_traffic.htm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous intelligent cruise control; Behavior; Crash avoidance systems; Law enforcement; Rear end crashes; Red interval (Traffic signal cycle); Surveillance; Video cameras
• Geographic Terms: United States
• ITRD Terms: 1451: Adaptive cruise control; 9001: Behaviour; 6750: Camera; 1534: Enforcement (law); 1620: Rear end collision; 539: Red light; 9101: Surveillance; 8122: USA
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Security and Emergencies; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01113700
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 27 2008 12:15PM