New York City is one of those cities across the country that is using red-light cameras to try to stop intersection car accidents. Some argue that they work. Some argue that they’re only to reel in government cash.
In fact, some argue that they’re actually causing more accidents than they’re preventing. Our New York City car accident attorneys are asking you to be safe when traveling through intersections — whether or not red-light cameras are present.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), red-light cameras help to reduce the risk of red-light running accidents by close to 25 percent. Officials also say that the risks for accidents are lower in areas that have fewer violators. Whatever “they” are saying, we’re asking drivers to be safe at all times.
Intersections are dangerous areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that close to 40 percent of the more than 2 million accidents that were reported in 2008 happened at an intersection.
So what does the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDO) have to say about this? Officials recently discussed the myths versus the reality of these red-light cameras.
Myth or Reality?
Myth: These cameras cause more accidents because drivers are braking earlier to try to avoid a ticket.
Fact: Red-light cameras are increasing safety for everyone. At intersections in the area, officials report a more than 55 percent reduction in the number of serious injuries, a near 45 percent decrease in the number of pedestrian injuries and a more than 15 percent decrease in all injuries.
Myth: These yellow and red lights are timed to help to ticket more motorists.
Fact: All yellow lights are 3 seconds long. All cameras take pictures for 0.3 seconds after the light turns red.
Myth: Three seconds isn’t long enough to allow you to come to a complete stop safely.
Fact: This timing is consistent with federal and other national red-light guidelines. The timing has been proven to provide an ample amount of stopping time for those who are safely traveling the speed limit.
Myth: You can’t tell it’s a red-light camera just by looking at it.
Fact: There are actually thousands of cameras across the city. There are however, a number of “dummy boxes” that are not actual cameras. Currently, the city doesn’t say which are real and which are not. They’re just there to help drivers to act a little safer behind the wheel.
Myth: Red-light cameras are only here to generate revenue for the city.
Fact: According to officials, red-light cameras save lives and revenue from these cameras will drop as more motorists become aware of them and stop on red. The number of violations in many areas has already dropped close to 60 percent since they were installed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call 1-877-313-7673 today!
More Blog Entries:
Boulevard of Death Catches Bicycling Advocates’ Attention, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 8, 2012
Spike in Car Accidents Foreshadows Remainder of Year, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 4, 2012
