A recent Chicago Tribune editorial suggested that a red-light camera in Schaumburg shouldn’t have been turned off because of the public safety benefits (“Stop, then shop” March 7, 2009). But do red light cameras actually deter accidents? At least 9 comprehensive studies compiled by the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition show that red light cameras actually make intersections less safe.

In 2008, the University of South Florida summarized these studies and stated, “Comprehensive studies conclude cameras actually increase crashes and injuries, providing a safety argument not to install them…. public policy should avoid conflicts of interest that enhance revenues for government and private interests at the risk of public safety.”

Lost in the shuffle of the red light camera debate is a proven method to reduce intersection crashes, extending the duration of yellow lights. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of this practice, including a 40% drop in crashes according to a 2004 Texas Transportation Institute study.

On January 1st, 2009, a new law went into effect in Georgia which mandated a one second increase in yellow light duration at red light camera intersections. The early results show an 80% reduction in red-light running. Many cities have already begun the process of removing red light cameras and sticking with the longer duration of yellow lights. The one additional second of waiting is well worth the reduction in crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Red light camera policies should be revised to reflect the science of traffic safety.

This Letter to the Editor was submitted on March 11, 2009 in response to the following Opinion Editorial.

Chicago Tribune: “Stop, then shop” March 7, 2009

Schaumburg recently deactivated a red-light camera near the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg because … it was doing too good of a job.

From November to January, the camera caught about 10,000 violators and the Village slapped them with $100 tickets, mostly for turning right on red without making a full stop. But that brought a blizzard of complaints from drivers, and some threatened to stop shopping at the mall if the camera remained in place.

Village Manager Ken Fritz said that enforcing the right-turn-on-red law wasn’t improving public safety and the village wanted to be “as friendly to customers as we are to villagers.”

So the camera goes, and the scofflaws get a free pass.

This is the wrong idea. The camera proved its worth. Clearly, a lot of people are making illegal turns there, and that’s a dangerous thing to do. The Village is caving because it fears the economic consequences of enforcing the law. And what are the consequences if a driver whipping around a turn smacks a pedestrian or another car?

It’s doubtful that many shoppers would stop going to the mall because of the camera. Motorists have a way of figuring out where the speed traps and traffic cameras are – and they act accordingly. They slow down. They stop at the light.

A better idea: Put up a sign that warns the intersection is monitored by a red-light camera. Tip off the drivers.

They’ll stop. And then they’ll go forth and shop.

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