The National Coalition For Safer Roads On Red-Light Camera Myths

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) commends a Florida television station for getting directly involved in the discussion on red-light safety cameras by collecting hard evidence from their local area intersections and traffic accident reports. What they discovered in their research is getting some well-deserved attention.

The news report from WFTV in Orlando debunks two popular red-light camera myths. Through their investigation they found no truth to the claim that cities shorten yellow light duration time after cameras are installed. They also found evidence showing that rear-end crashes do not increase after cameras are implemented.

Myth #1: "Yellow light timing is shortened to increase red-light camera tickets."

Bust: WFTV examined yellow light times at camera intersections in five Florida cities to determine whether timing was shortened after red-light cameras were installed. In Orlando, Apopka, Orange County, Winter Park and Daytona Beach, all yellow light times met or came within one-tenth of a second of meeting the state standard for amber time duration – proving this myth false.

Myth #2: "Red-light cameras increase rear-end crashes."

Bust: Traffic crash reports were examined from four cities to discover whether rear-end crashes increased after cameras were installed. In every case the answer was no. Rear-end crashes decreased 57% in Orange County, 30% in Daytona Beach, 21% in Apopka and 15% in Orlando. Another myth proven false – on the contrary the cameras are significantly decreasing rear-end crashes in these Florida cities.

"It is encouraging to see the support that has stemmed from the Orlando story addressing false claims about red-light safety cameras," said David Kelly, President and Executive Director, NCSR. "Often people get wrapped up in the myths and it clouds the true safety benefits that this technology provides. Safety camera programs are positively impacting driver behavior throughout the country."

WFTV reported a 22% drop in red light tickets in Orange County – proving these cameras are truly changing the behavior of drivers. CNET Car Tech and Exhaust Notes on MSN.com shined light on the local Florida findings and added to the story with additional sources of research in support of the findings.

NCSR was organized as an industry trade association with the express purpose of advocating on behalf of the traffic safety technology industry. NCSR is proud to advocate for the use of red light safety cameras in more than 600 communities across the country to change reckless driver behavior, stop red-light running and save lives. NCSR is supported by American Traffic Solutions, with coalition partners including the National Safety Council; Safe Kids USA; Child Safety Network; National Organizations for Youth Safety; America Walks; and Red Means Stop, as well as numerous police departments, medical professionals, safety advocates, industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens. View NCSR Partners. For more information, visit http://www.NCSRsafety.org/, follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA.

SOURCE National Coalition for Safer Roads