Research: Red light camera program has led to increase in rear-end crashes

According to the findings of a new research commissioned by the Chicago Tribune, the red light camera program in Chicago is not as safe as it was touted to be when it was implemented.

As per the research, though the red light cameras were perceived as an effective mechanism for fighting speeding drivers, the program has actually led to more rear-end accidents in Chicago than before the installation of the cameras.

Specifically speaking, the research has found that the red light camera program has reduced car crashes at right angles by nearly 15 percent, but has also led to a 22 percent increase in rear-end crashes. As a result, there has been an overall increase of 5 percent in car crashes under the red light camera program.

In reference to the research's findings that the installation of red light cameras has actually caused more rear-end crashes, UPI's Thor Benson explained that "red light cameras cause cars to enter intersections after a red light less often, but drivers are more likely to slam on their brakes to avoid entering the intersection, which can cause an accident."

Meanwhile, research statistics have also revealed that, since 2002, an amount of $500 million has been raised via the red light camera program off the sum total of $100 tickets. The Tribune has pointed out that, in July this year, over 13,000 motorists were "ticketed erroneously" through Chicago's red light camera program.