Red Light Running
- Red Light Camera Q & As
- Implementing a Stop-Red Light Running Campaign
- Data & Statistics
- Technical Assistance & Tools
- Policy & Guidelines
- Research Projects
- Resources
Implementing a Stop-Red Light Running Campaign
- Overview (Professional Resources: Overview, National Stop on Red Week, Plan a Campaign)
- Implementation Site Background [PDF 105 KB]
- National Stop on Red Week Overview
- Plan Your Own Campaign: Program Funding
- Plan Your Own Campaign: Organizing a Coalition
- Plan Your Own Campaign: Pre-Program Assessment
- Plan Your Own Campaign: Media and Public Relations Techniques
- Marketing Materials
The National Stop Red Light Running Program has developed a variety of marketing materials for use in your local SRLR program. From professionally produced public service announcements to art for bumper stickers, podium signs, and program buttons, these materials will help you attract the attention of both the media and your target audiences. Public service announcements (PSAs) are provided in the three mediums of television, radio, and print. Many of these materials were focus-group tested and have been used successfully in previous pilot site programs. - Program Launch and Beyond
- Ongoing Evaluation
Data & Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2007 alone, nearly 9,200 people died and approximately one million people were injured in intersection-related crashes—approximately 40-45 percent of all crashes. According to 2007 data from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, crashes caused by red light running (RLR) resulted in an estimated 805 fatalities.
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Red light cameras are used for law enforcement. For a complete list, see http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/rlc_cities.html
For information on automated enforcement laws in each state see: http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/auto_enforce.html
Engineering countermeasures considered useful include improving signal visibility (placement and number of signal heads, size of signal display, line of sight), improving signal conspicuity (redundancy, light emitting diode signal lenses, backplates, strobe lights), increasing the likelihood of stopping (signal ahead signs, advanced warning flashers, rumble strips, left-turn signal signs and pavement condition), addressing intentional violations (traffic signal optimization, change in cycle lengths, change in timing of yellow and red intervals, and dilemma zone protection), and eliminating the need to stop (remove unwarranted signals, change to flashing mode operation or convert intersections to roundabouts).
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Analysis of Red Light Violation Data Collected from Intersections Equipped with Red Light Photo Enforcement Cameras, DOT HS 810 580, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. March 2006. [HTML, PDF 1.22 MB]
Technical Assistance & Tools
Making Intersections Safer: A Toolbox of Engineering Countermeasures to Reduce Red-Light Running, ITE Report 115, 2003. [HTML, PDF 2.47 MB]
Report addresses intersection design and operational features that may need to be upgraded to reduce red-light running. It provides a background of the characteristics of the red-light running problem; identifies how various engineering measures can be implemented to address this problem; suggests a procedure for selecting the appropriate engineering measures, and provides guidance on when enforcement, including red light cameras, may be appropriate.- A complementary, Field Guide for Inspecting Signalized Intersections to Reduce Red-Light Running, FHWA-SA-05-008 [HTML, PDF 1.25 MB]
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Association of Selected Intersection Factors with Red-Light-Running Crashes, FHWA-RD-00-112, May 2000. [PDF 539 KB]
This study examined selected geometric characteristics of intersections, their impact on RLR crash rates, and tried to establish a relationship between them. The major questions addressed in this report concerning RLR crashes are:Does the width of the cross-street have any effect on RLR crash risk?
What is the relationship of other select intersection characteristics to RLR crashes?
Using this information, how can one better target urban intersections for traffic law enforcement techniques such as RLR cameras or heightened intersection enforcement coupled with publicity?
Policy / Guidelines
Red Light Camera Systems Operational Guidelines, January 2005. [PDF 1.32MB]
Research Projects
- Red Light Running, Phase II
Cameras that detect vehicles that run a red light and then issue a ticket based on the vehicle license plate is one strategy that many U.S. agencies have used to reduce the number of vehicles running red lights. The agencies’ intent is to reduce not only the number of intersection crashes but also the severity. The cameras’ effectiveness has been debated because they are often viewed by the public as intrusive and, in some cases, have been shown to increase the low-severity crashes such as rear ends. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of red light running cameras in Iowa in reducing instances of red-light running violations and accidents. Currently, red light running cameras are located in Council Bluffs, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Clive, and Sioux City.
Start date: 2006/8/1; Status: Active
Source Organization: Iowa State University, Ames Safety Evaluation of Red-Light Cameras, FHWA HRT-05-048, April 2005. [HTML, PDF 621 KB]
The fundamental objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of red-light-camera (RLC) systems in reducing crashes. The study involved an empirical Bayes (EB) before-after research using data from seven jurisdictions across the United States to estimate the crash and associated economic effects of RLC systems.Safety Evaluation of Red Light Cameras—Executive Summary. [HTML, PDF 149 KB]
Resources
Related Website Links
Presentations
Publications
A Nationwide Survey of Red Light Running: Measuring Driver Behaviors for the “Stop Red Light Running” Program June – August, 1999. [PDF 206 KB]
Synthesis and Evaluation of Red Light Running Electronic Enforcement Programs in the United State [PDF 173 KB]
If you would like to add something to this site concerning red light cameras, contact Ed Rice of the Federal Highway Administration.
