New York motorists may or may not have noticed the vast number of red light cameras that are scattered throughout the five Boroughs. We have had them for several years now. But quite frankly, you may only be aware of them when you face the costly ramifications of either a fine, or worse, an intersection-related car accident in Manhattan or elsewhere.
New York City accident lawyers know that the cameras are generating quite a bit of revenue for law enforcement and city officials. But are they really helping to protect the well-being of motorists? This is a debate that continues to get considerable attention in New York and cities throughout the United States. 
CBS New York recently reported that red light cameras in Nassau County have improved traffic safety at 40 intersections by an average of 12 to 16 percent. Since 2009, the Nassau County Traffic Safety Board has been examining data from 40 of the 50 red light cameras that were installed. In a 12 month comparison, 32 intersections indicated an average drop in crashes of 12.3 percent. Eight intersections showed a 15.5 percent reduction in crashes.
The Roosevelt Field mall intersection showed an increase in accidents but authorities feel it has more to do with poor signage than anything else.
Many cities throughout the country have adopted the use of red light and speed cameras to help enforce traffic laws while improving roadway safety. Around-the clock automated enforcement helps catch violators but more importantly is meant to make them think twice before engaging in dangerous behavior.
Nationwide, it is estimated in 2009, that 676 people were killed and another 130,000 were injured in an accident caused by a motorists running a red light. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reported over 4,600 accidents from motorists following too closely and almost 2,200 accidents caused by a motorist that ignored a traffic control. These types of accidents resulted in the deaths of 25 New York motorists in 2009.
Running a red light at an intersection not only puts other motorists at risk but it could put a pedestrian or bicyclist at risk of injury or death while crossing an intersection. New York State Safe NY offers these traffic safety tips to help prevent intersection accidents:
-Always use your turn signal when making a turn. Warning all road users which way you are turning can help prevent a collision in the middle of the intersection or crosswalk.
-Be patient and wait your turn for slow moving vehicles. Aggressive behaviors at an intersection could mean hitting a walker or biker that you may not see in time.
-Remove yourself from the tailgate in front of you to avoid a rear-end collision.
-Know who has the right of way at an intersection and yield until it is safe to make your move.
-Only make a right hand turn at an intersection if you are permitted to do so. Signs and traffic signals are good indicators to look for.
– Green means go. Yellow means slow. Red means stop.
If you are involved in an intersection-related accident or hit by a driver running a red light in New York City, contact personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose PLLC. Call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673) for a free consultation today.
Additional Resources:
Crashes Reduced at LI Intersections With Red Light Cameras, by Mike Xirinachs, CBS New York.
More Blog Entries:
Eliminating Eye Exam Requirements at Renewal Could Put More Motorists in Danger of Car Accidents in Manhattan, Queens, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 11, 2011.
New York, Northeast Region Noted for Dangerous Drivers Involved in Most Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, September 12, 2011.
Red-Light Cameras – Still a Hot Debate Regarding New York Car Accidents, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, July 16, 2011.
