Red Light Camera Effectiveness: A comparative analysis from Washington state and Chicago, IL

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of red light cameras (RLCs) on the rates of crashes at signalized intersections. Crashes are broken into two categories – rear ends and the more severe angle crashes, both of which are directly affected by RLC application. A cost-benefit analysis based on the changing ratio of these crashes and the overall change in rate as compared to control site has been conducted. Treatment data from Washington was gathered using Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) from eight Lynnwood sites and compared with 8 sites similar in volume in Bellingham, a location far enough afield to avoid spillover effects RLC using communities while retaining the same law and cultural structures of the state. Chicago data originated from a freedom of information request by the Chicago Tribune, and encompasses 96 treatment sites and 20 control sites.