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Red light camera interventions for reducing traffic violations and traffic crashes: A systematic review
Ellen G Cohn1, Suman Kakar1, Chloe Perkins2
1Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Florida International University Miami Florida.
Campbell Systematic Reviews
|May 3, 2023
Summary
Red light cameras (RLCs) reduce injury crashes by 20% and right-angle crashes by 24%, but increase rear-end crashes by 19%. Policymakers must weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks when implementing RLC programs.
Area of Science:
- Road safety research
- Traffic engineering
- Public health
Background:
- Road traffic crashes are a significant global cause of injury and death.
- Red light running is a common cause of urban crashes, leading to injuries in 39% of cases.
- Red light cameras (RLCs) are used to deter red light running and enforce traffic signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of RLCs.
- To assess the impact of RLCs on red light violations and traffic crash incidence and severity.
- To update and expand upon previous systematic reviews of RLC effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search strategy across 27 databases and gray literature sources.
- Inclusion of quantitative studies with controlled designs (RCTs, CCTs, CBA, CITS).
- Data extraction and meta-analysis of 41 separate analyses from 38 primary studies.
Main Results:
- RLCs are associated with a 20% decrease in total injury crashes and a 24% decrease in right-angle crashes.
- A 29% reduction in right-angle injury crashes was observed, alongside a 19% increase in rear-end crashes.
- Evidence suggests RLCs reduce red light violations, but heterogeneity in results exists based on study design and confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- RLCs appear effective in reducing some types of traffic crashes and red light violations.
- The implementation of RLC programs requires careful consideration of benefits (reduced violations, certain crash types) versus drawbacks (increased rear-end crashes).
- Policymakers and practitioners should weigh the costs and benefits, including economic implications, when considering RLC programs.
