PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Red light running is one of the most dangerous
forms of aggressive driving. Nationally, fatal traffic crashes at traffic
signals increased 18 percent from 1992 to 1998, more than three times
the rate of increase for all other fatal crashes during the same time
period. In congested urban areas such as Washington, D.C., the problem
is particularly serious. In 1999, 17 percent of the city's fatal traffic
crashes resulted from traffic signal violations. Running red lights
is a common traffic violation, partially because motorists are aware
that there is a relatively small chance of receiving a citation. From
a police perspective, assigning a law enforcement team to apprehend
red light runners is manpower-intensive and not cost effective. From
the perspective of the general public, residents want to be safe, but
they know that police manpower could be better used in other areas.
Law enforcement officers in the District of Columbia needed a new method
for reducing this dangerous type of violation, while preserving police
manpower for use in higher priority criminal investigations.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In order to reduce the number of fatal and injury
traffic crashes resulting from red light running traffic violations
in the District of Columbia, the D.C. Department of Public Works developed
the Automated Red Light Photo Enhancement program in 1999. Specific
objectives of the program are to:
- Provide a low-cost method of apprehending
red light violators, with minimal police intervention
- Raise public awareness of the increased risk of being caught if
they choose to run a red light
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The District of Columbia's Department of Public
Works purchased a series of automated cameras for installation at high-risk
intersections. The cameras are designed to help enforce traffic laws
and reduce violations by automatically photographing the license plates
of vehicles whose drivers violate traffic signals. The cameras capture
violations on film and record relevant data such as the date, time,
vehicle speed and time elapsed since the beginning of the red signal.
These images are analyzed, possible extenuating circumstances are considered,
and the registered owner of the vehicle is verified. A citation for
$75, along with a photograph of the violation, is then mailed to the
vehicle owner.
The Department of Public works placed 39 cameras at intersections throughout
the city that were determined to have a high incidence of traffic signal
violations and crashes. Street signs alerting drivers that automated
enforcement is being used, are positioned at strategic positions throughout
the District, including major roads leading into the city. The general
public is notified at least 30 days prior to the installation of a new
camera, and all current positions are posted on the Metropolitan Police
website.
The use of this technology enhances traffic safety,
while promoting community policing. Because the cameras operate 24 hours-a-day,
the Metropolitan Police Department is able to enforce traffic regulations
in a more consistent, strategic and efficient manner—an issue of
great importance to city residents. These benefits are achieved without
the necessity for extra police resources.
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