Red-light cameras don't reduce the number of traffic accidents or injuries at intersections where the devices are installed, according a new analysis by Case Western Reserve University.
Touted by supporters as a way increase public safety by ticketing drivers who continue through red lights, the cameras actually shift traffic patterns: More drivers tend to brake harder and more abruptly, increasing fender-benders and other so-called "non-angle" collisions.
"Once drivers knew about the cameras, they appeared to accept a higher accident risk from slamming on their brakes at yellow lights to avoid an expensive traffic citation—thereby decreasing safety for themselves and other drivers," said Justin Gallagher, an assistant professor of economics at Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve.
Accidents didn't decrease, only shift.
(Score: 5, Insightful) by bzipitidoo on Friday July 20 2018, @03:53AM (2 children)
Yes, but you still need these studies and facts to use against the bullshitting, propagandizing, lying con artists who are trying to sell fear to the public.
(Score: -1, Redundant) by Anonymous Coward on Friday July 20 2018, @04:33AM
Why?
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday July 20 2018, @06:46AM
Bullshit. All you needed was to look at what the politicians were saying as they were being installed. "This will bring in in a lot of new revenue for the city." was something I heard a LOT.