Like many cities, Denver has installed “red light cameras” to catch drivers who put others at risk by running red lights. Currently, the city operates cameras at four intersections.
But, a new report shows that these four cameras may not be doing enough to address the problem. Red light cameras aren’t installed at any of the intersections with the highest number of accidents, so they might not be deterring the most dangerous drivers.
Red light crashes are a huge problem in Denver
While cameras are only part of the solution, it is clear that more needs to be done to solve the problem of red light accidents. Too many people are dying because drivers choose not to stop.
In fact, Denver ranks tenth in the United States for the number of people killed by drivers running red lights. Federal data shows that 60 people died in red light accidents in Denver between 2004 and 2013.
Clearly, the solution to this problem is to get drivers to stop at red lights. But how do you do that? Some people think red light cameras are annoying, but a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows they reduce fatal crashes by 24 percent. Combined with education and public safety campaigns, increased law enforcement may be what Denver needs.
These crashes are particularly dangerous
Red light accidents are so dangerous because there is so little time to react. A driver who is following the law and driving through a green light isn’t thinking that someone is going to come barreling at them. The driver who ran the red light probably hasn’t even bothered to slow down.
At such dangerous speeds, it’s not surprising that these crashes are so often fatal. When victims survive, their injuries can be very serious. Because of this, the law gives victims the right to seek compensation from the person responsible for causing the accident. This can include things like medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. After a crash, it is always a good idea to talk to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under the law.