Safety Impact of Speed and Red Light Cameras

Traffic safety, defined as the rate of traffic-related deaths and injuries per mile driven, has greatly improved in the United States over the past several decades. Yet, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the primary causes of premature death, and the leading cause of death for those under age 30, with around 37,000 people being killed each year and millions suffering injuries. These crashes result in estimated overall costs of hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Speeding is a contributing factor in over 9,000 deaths annually.

In-person enforcement is the most common form of speed enforcement in the United States. It has several limitations; law enforcement officers are able to stop only a small proportion of speeders. Road design and traffic conditions can make roadside stops difficult, and stops can be dangerous for both the driver and the law enforcement officer, who are at risk from being struck by passing vehicles as well as from each other. Similarly, officers are rarely on the scene when a motorist runs a red light.

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