Do traffic cameras cause accidents?
On One Hand: Research Suggests ItA study at the University of South Florida has statistically correlated the presence of traffic light cameras with increased accidents in certain areas. It is suspected that this may be due to drivers slamming on their breaks to prevent running a red light, and then being hit by the car behind them. Another theory is that traffic light cameras can distract drivers from paying attention to the road while driving through an intersection.On the Other: May Depend on LocationResearch on whether or not traffic light cameras can cause accidents has been relatively sparse. Tested areas have included Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Ontario, Canada. Factors such as the type of driving, whether city or suburban, for example, may have an influence, but further research is necessary.Bottom LineTraffic accidents due to running red lights are relatively uncommon, accounting for less than 4 percent of accidents in Florida, for example.
