An Overview of Automated Enforcement Systems and Their Potential for Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

The following paper takes a widespread look at automated enforcement systems, specifically red-light cameras (RLC) and automated speed enforcement (ASE) systems. Initially exploring the detrimental consequences of drivers running red lights and speeding, the paper will define automated enforcement systems, the impact these systems have, the issues they raise, the question of legality and the ongoing battle of public perception. Using this information, it will explore the implications that automated enforcement systems can have on pedestrian and bicycle safety. The final section discusses how automated enforcement systems should be seen as one potential tool to aid crash prevention, rather than a comprehensive and final solution. It also cautions against the implementation of automated enforcement systems primarily for the generation of revenue. Seeing the systems as part of a broader campaign to make streets and intersections safer is the best way to prevent legal challenges, and garner public support, so automated systems can achieve their intended purpose of preventing traffic crashes and saving lives.

• Record URL:
  http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/cms/downloads/WhitePaper_AutomatedSafetyEnforcement_PBIC.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared by Bryan Poole in December 2012, and updated by Sarah Johnson and Libby Thomas (UNC Highway Safety Research Center) in December 2017.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  Highway Safety Research Center, Pedestrian and Bicycle Information
  730 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, CB 3430
  Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599-3430

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Poole, Bryan
  • Johnson, Sarah
  • Thomas, Libby
• Publication Date: 2017-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated enforcement; Cameras; Highway safety; Legislation; Pedestrian safety; Public opinion; Red light running; Speeding; Traffic law enforcement
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bicycle safety
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01496653
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: DTFHGI-11-H-00024
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 28 2013 9:47AM