Speed and Red Light Cameras

The use of speed and red light cameras to detect vehicles committing traffic violations is referred to collectively as automated enforcement. Many state laws specify when, where and how automated enforcement can be carried out.

Automated enforcement works by using a camera to capture on image of a vehicle committing a violation. Additional data collected often includes the date, time and place, speed or other pertinent details. If a violation is evident, a citation is mailed to the vehicle owner.

Cameras don't replace traditional traffic enforcement activities, but they do augment law enforcement efforts and address the public perception of the risk of "getting caught." Getting drivers to change behavior requires consistent enforcement, which automated camera systems provide.

Critics of automated enforcement argue that it exists is to make money for law enforcement agencies. However, the objective of automated enforcement is to deter violators, not to catch them. Signs and publicity campaigns typically warn drivers that photo enforcement is in use. Revenue is generated from fines paid, but this is a fundamental component of all traffic enforcement programs.

GHSA supports the use of automated enforcement in efforts to enforce speeding, red light running and other traffic violations and urges states to enact legislation allowing the use of these technologies by the law enforcement community.

Red Light Running

Red light running crashes are responsible for approximately 260,000 injuries and 750 fatalities annually. It is difficult to get a clear picture of the problem, because red light running may not be collected or categorized as such on crash report forms. While education and engineering solutions are certainly important in combatting red light running, automated enforcement has been receiving greater attention as an effective tool.

Several programs and resources exist to address the problem of red light running. GHSA encourages its members to support these efforts:

  • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a Stop Red Light Running program that provides traffic safety information and guidelines to address red light running.
  • In 2005, the FHWA issued Red Light Camera Systems Operational Guidelines. Not regulatory requirements, these guidelines are intended to foster discussions and initiatives that will improve intersection safety.
  • Law enforcement, transportation engineering, healthcare and emergency medicine leaders have joined forces with traffic safety groups in support of a National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running. GHSA serves on the Board of Advisors for the campaign.

Speeding

Speeding-related fatalities continue to be a serious highway safety problem, accounting for approximately 13,000 deaths a year—roughly a third of all traffic fatalities. Despite progress in so many other areas of highway safety, as a nation, little success has been shown at addressing the speeding challenge. In recent years, speed cameras have become more prevalent as a way to address the problem.

The 2005 Report from the National Forum on Speeding PDF icon advocates for speed camera programs when they are in place for safety and not for revenue purposes and when they are in areas with demonstrated need and public support. A new report PDF icon from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrates the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing highway speeds.

Unfortunately, only approximately 35 jurisdictions in our country use speed cameras in their enforcement efforts. That number must be greatly increased if we are to make any progress at reducing speed-related fatalities.