Don’t Drive Distracted
Red Light Cameras Can Change the Distracted Driving Habit
Distracted driving is a common reason for drivers to run red lights. When drivers are focused on other things, like applying makeup, texting, talking on the phone, or eating, they may not notice when traffic signals change. When drivers run red lights, they increase the risk of serious accidents, endangering the lives of others on the road.
T-Bone Crash is the most Dangerous
One of the most common types of accidents caused by red light runners are T-bone collisions. A T-bone collision occurs when the side of a vehicle is hit by the front of another vehicle. This usually happens when a driver goes through a red light at the same time the vehicle with the right of way proceeds through the intersection. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, are very dangerous and can be fatal. T-bone accidents can be deadly because the sides of a car are less protected than the front and rear ends and passengers are often close to the point of impact.
More Reasons People Run Red Lights
Other factors that can contribute to red light running include:
- Impatience: Some drivers intentionally run red lights. Whether due to impatience, tardiness, or other reason, running a red light on purpose is reckless.
- Aggressive driving: Behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and road rage can lead to red light violations.
- Misjudging traffic signals: Drivers may misjudge how long a traffic signal will stay yellow.
Red Light Cameras Change Behavior
NovoaGlobal’s Red Light Camera Program often receives thank you letters from drivers expressing gratitude for making them aware of their own unsafe driving behaviors. And then others complain when they get a red light camera ticket. What both drivers have in common is that they change their bad driving behavior. Very few drivers are repeat offenders. In fact, one red light camera can have a halo effect, or spillover effect, to other intersections in the area so that drivers change driver behavior throughout the area, thus reducing traffic crashes at nearby intersections in addition to reducing red light violations.Contact Us
Interested in using red light automated enforcement in your community? Contact Us: 888-666-4218, Ext. 6 for East Coast and Ext. 7 for West Coast. We can also be reached at [email protected]