Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Red Light Running Camera Enforcement In Cedar Rapids And Developing Guidelines For Selection And Use Of Red Light Running Countermeasures

Red light running (RLR) is a problem in the US that has resulted in 165,000 injuries and 907 fatalities annually. In Iowa, RLR-related crashes make up 24.5 percent of all crashes and account for 31.7 percent of fatal and major injury crashes at signalized intersections. RLR crashes are a safety concern due to the increased likelihood of injury compared to other types of crashes. One tool used to combat red light running is automated enforcement in the form of RLR cameras. Automated enforcement, while effective, is often controversial. Cedar Rapids, Iowa installed RLR and speeding cameras at seven intersections across the city. The intersections were chosen based on crash rates and whether cameras could feasibly be placed at the intersection approaches. The cameras were placed starting in February 2010 with the last one becoming operational in December 2010. An analysis of the effect of the cameras on safety at these intersections was determined prudent in helping to justify the installation and effectiveness of the cameras. The objective of this research was to assess the safety effectiveness of the RLR program that has been implemented in Cedar Rapids. This was accomplished by analyzing data to determine changes in the following areas: Reductions in red light violation rates based on overall changes, time of day changes, and changes by lane; Effectiveness of the cameras over time; Time in which those running the red light enter the intersection; Changes in the average headway between vehicles entering the intersection.

Red light running is one of the major causes of crashes, deaths, and injuries at signalised intersections. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) support a comprehensive approach to intersection safety that incorporates engineering, education, and enforcement countermeasures to prevent red light running and improve intersection safety. Red light cameras can be a very effective countermeasure to prevent red light running. There are a number of studies that indicate reduction in crashes at signalised intersections due to red light cameras. The fundamental objective of the research in this book is to determine the effectiveness of RLC systems in reducing crashes. A description of all project efforts is described in this book.

This report contains guidelines that provide human factors principles and findings for consideration by highway designers and traffic engineers. The guidelines allow the non-expert in human factors to more effectively consider the roadway user's capabilities and limitations in the design and operation of highway facilities. The following chapters are included in collection C: (16) Special Considerations for Rural Environments; (17) Speed Perception, Speed Choice, and Speed Control; (18) Signing; (19) Changeable Message Signs; (20) Markings; (22) Tutorials (Tutorials 4, 5, 6); (23) References (Updated); (24) Glossary; (25) Index; and (26) Abbreviations (Updated).