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posted by martyb on Friday July 20 2018, @03:36AM   Printer-friendly
from the but-they-do-work-to-raise-ticket-income dept.

Phys.org:

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.


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  • (Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday July 20 2018, @06:35PM (1 child)

    by bob_super (1357) on Friday July 20 2018, @06:35PM (#710053)

    Do you know what actually improves traffic flow, reducing pollution, while also improving car safety ?
    Roundabouts, also known as traffic circles.

    It turns out that there are a few of them here and there in the US, and they are not the giant car pileup that some people would have you believe. Even when there is a crash in one of them, it is at slower speed than at traffic lights, making crashes less severe (especially at night, when people still have to slow down when they wouldn't for a red light).
    And having those around would save me at least 5 to 10 minutes per commute, because waiting minutes at traffic light for two cars in each direction is pretty dumb.

    America, WHY U NO LIKE simple safe solutions ?
    Less revenue, but less money spent dealing with crashes...

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  • (Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday July 21 2018, @05:29AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday July 21 2018, @05:29AM (#710283)

    We have one of those traffic circles in Orange, California... at Chapman and Glassell.

    The center of the circle is a nice decorative area and a fountain.

    Trouble is the out-of-towners don't see the circle and try to drive straight through, and end up IN the fountain!

    Our city council has done all sorts of things to try to warn people about the fountain. Flashing lights and all sorts of whatnot signage.

    Their latest incarnation is a car sensing strobe like arrow that starts flashing ( quite brightly too, no less... like an array of those superbright LED flashlights blinking ) when you approach it late night.... trying to keep people from driving into the fountain.

    Now, I like that roundabout. I note a lot of cities have 'em. Its a nice way to have a little spot in the center of town to place the town's art. But some people are incredibly inattentive when behind the wheel, and something like this throws them for a loop.

    And I think its a beautiful fountain. The townspeople often come over and sit in benches the city has all over the place around it, usually enjoying some little snack or beverage they got from one of our local eateries or coffee shops. Its a throwback to much earlier times, and I find it quite relaxing to spend time just kicking back there - especially with some friends. Now, if we could only make sure everyone knows that neither Chapman nor Glassell goes straight through... use the circle! Its not a problem during the day, but it seems several times a year, we get another motorist in the fountain.