Smile, you’re on camera! Except with this camera, you might not feel like smiling.
Anyone who’s spent time driving around Chicago has probably come face-to-face with the little eye in the sky — a red light camera. And chances are you’ve felt that dreaded feeling after seeing that bright flash go off in the corner of your eye. You really thought you could make that light.
Starting with just two intersections in 2003 — Peterson and Western and 55th and Western — the Chicago red light program has expanded to nearly 150 intersections where red light cameras are enforced. Keep reading to learn more about what red light cameras are, where to find them around the city of Chicago, and whether or not these cameras help improve safety on the road.
In this Article:
- What are red light cameras?
- Red Light Crash Statistics in Illinois
- Chicago Red Light Ticket Enforcement
- Chicago Red Light Camera Map
- Red Light Cameras vs Traffic Cameras
- Do red light cameras really improve safety?
- Red Light Cameras as Evidence in an Accident
- Contact a Road Accident Lawyer for Help
What are red light cameras?
Red light cameras are automated enforcement systems designed to monitor intersections and detect traffic violations, particularly those involving running red lights. These cameras are strategically synchronized with traffic signals to capture clear evidence of infractions, including high-resolution images and video footage of offending vehicles.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), as of June 2023, nearly 350 U.S. communities utilize red light cameras. The idea behind red light cameras is that their presence will encourage drivers to use more caution when entering an intersection and reduce the occurrence of red light-related accidents.
Red Light Crash Statistics in Illinois
Red light running poses a significant threat to road safety, leading to numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that in 2021, red light running crashes resulted in 1,109 deaths and approximately 127,000 injuries across the United States. In Illinois…
Red light cameras are meant to help improve road safety at dangerous intersections. Under the State of Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-208.6), municipalities using automated traffic enforcement systems must assess their safety impact using robust data. The analysis must compare crash rates before and after camera installation and be made publicly available, ensuring transparency and accountability in the enforcement process.
Chicago Red Light Ticket Enforcement
Although Chicago has the most extensive red light program in the state, it’s not the only municipality that has red light cameras and issues tickets. Since 2008, red light tickets have brought in around $1.56 billion, $915.5 million came from Chicago alone. Running a red light is not the only way to get a red light ticket. You can also get a ticket for making an illegal right-hand turn or for failing to come to a complete stop on a red light. Yo
Once a violation is detected, the camera records video footage and takes still images which are later reviewed by a law enforcement officer or city official before the ticket is issued. Red light tickets are sent in the mail to the registered vehicle owner and are typically $100.
It’s important to note that the vehicle owner is presumed responsible for the violation, regardless of who was driving at the time. However, there are mechanisms in place for owners to contest the ticket if they were not the driver.
Chicago Red Light Camera Map
Fortunately, the city provides a map of red light cameras around Chicago so drivers can at least be aware of when to look out for them. The map shows the exact locations of over 350 cameras across 150 intersections. Take a look at the Chicago red light camera map to stay informed and avoid potential violations.
Red Light Cameras vs Traffic Cameras
It’s easy to assume that the term traffic camera is interchangeable with red light cameras. But this would be incorrect. Red light cameras are a type of traffic cameras that are specifically designed to capture vehicles that run red lights and similar infractions.
There are several other types of traffic cameras motorists should be aware of including:
- Speed Cameras: Detect and ticket vehicles exceeding the speed limit.
- Traffic Sensor Cameras: Monitor traffic volume and road conditions without issuing tickets.
- Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras: Track vehicle movements by reading license plate numbers.
Traffic cameras can differ in shape and size depending on their purpose, but may be difficult to identify the difference while driving.
Do Red Light Cameras Really Improve Safety?
The effectiveness of red light cameras in improving traffic safety is a subject of ongoing debate. In fact, eight states have banned their use due to various concerns, including privacy and effectiveness.
Benefits:
Reduction in Dangerous Crashes: A study by the Northwestern University Transportation Center in 2017 found that Chicago’s red light camera program led to a 10% reduction in injury-producing crashes and a 19% reduction in the most dangerous angle and turning crashes.
Additionally, there was a “spillover effect,” with crashes decreasing even at intersections without camera enforcement.
Minimizing Dangerous Behaviors: By deterring drivers from running red lights, cameras contribute to safer intersections and smoother traffic flow.
Challenges:
Shift in Traffic Patterns: A 2018 national study by Case Western University examined red light cameras in and around Houston. It concluded that while these cameras reduce dangerous angle crashes, they may increase the number of rear-end and other types of accidents.
This suggests that while certain crash types decrease, others may rise, potentially negating overall safety improvements.
Impact of Cameras in Chicago
Specific to Chicago, analyses of red light camera-equipped intersections have shown significant safety improvements:
- Dangerous Right Angle (“T-bone”) Crashes: Reduced to approximately 55% of the yearly angle crashes before camera installation.
- All Crashes at Camera Intersections: Down to 56%.
- Crashes Resulting in Injuries: Down to 41%.
- Pedestrian Crashes: Down to 42%.
- Rear-end Crashes: Down to 70%.
These statistics indicate that these types of traffic cameras have contributed to a notable decrease in various types of crashes, particularly those that are most severe.
Red Light Cameras as Evidence in an Accident
Red light camera footage can be invaluable in traffic accident cases. The footage captures various traffic violations, such as illegal right-hand turns, failing to stop completely, and running a red light.
Additionally, it can show other violations, like blocking intersections or disobeying school bus or railroad signals. This evidence can be crucial in proving liability in an accident, as it provides an unbiased account of what occurred at the intersection.
Contact a Road Accident Lawyer for Help
If you receive a red light ticket or are involved in an accident where red light camera footage could be relevant, it’s essential to consult with an experienced road accident attorney. Navigating the legal complexities of traffic violations or accident claims can be challenging, but a skilled team at Disparti Law Group can help you understand your rights and options.
If you need assistance following an accident, you can contact us today for a FREE case review at (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say… Larry wins!
