Red Light Cameras End Car Accidents
Recently, there has been a surge in red light cameras installed at several major intersections in Los Angeles County. Although not every city follows red light cameras, there are still several cities, like Beverly Hills, that still ticket those who have driven negligently on red light cameras.
Red light cameras were originally installed to keep the drivers on the road safe, and to prevent accidents that occur near major intersections. However, many people may ask if red light cameras actually prevent accidents from happening.
- According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light cameras prevent major accidents from occurring. Red light cameras prevent vehicles from entering the intersection at busy times, especially when it is a yellow light that is almost turning into a red light. This prevents accidents, such as T-Bone accidents and rear-end collisions.
- According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are around 200 lives and accidents that were prevented from red light cameras within the United States.
Are red light cameras still enforced in Los Angeles?
Red light cameras are legal in Los Angeles, and several different intersections within Los Angeles County enforce it. Do not be surprised if you are to receive a red-light camera ticket at home with photos of you passing the intersection.
What are red light camera ticket fines in Los Angeles?
The fines for running a red light could be around $300 depending on the county and the city that you are located in. Other than the base fine, there are also other extra fines you pay depending on other violations you have committed or traffic school that you may need. For example, there could be extra fees when you:
- Make an illegal right turn
- Drive through a flashing red light
- Drive through a stop sign
Does a red light camera ticket add a point on my record?
Running a red light will lead to a violation, which could result in a point on your record. If you get multiple points on your record, then your insurance rates will go up. Your record is managed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and multiple red light violations could result in several points on your record. You could even result in a license suspension. However, there are ways to decrease the amount of points on your record, such as attending a traffic school that has been approved by the DMV.
Does a red light camera take photos and videos?
Red light camera programs in Los Angeles take both photos and videos of vehicles that approach the intersection. These photos are then reviewed by employees of the city, or third-party companies that have a contract with the government. When these photos and videos are reviewed, and it is determined that the vehicle did in fact pass the red light, the ticket will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
What are red light cameras meant to capture?
A red light camera is meant to capture vehicles who enter the intersection when the light has turned red. It is meant to deter drivers from entering the intersection at points and time when the yellow light is about to turn red and other oncoming vehicles have a green light.
Do red light cameras actually increase accidents?
According to a study done by Kcal-tv, the local station determined that within the amount of time they studied a local intersection, accidents actually increased when there were red light cameras. The reason for this was because vehicles that were approaching the intersection noticed that there’s a red light camera and tried to speed through the intersection so the camera did not catch them. When this occurs, the vehicle is not able to come to a complete stop and rear ends the other vehicle that has crossed the intersection.
In certain cities that no longer use the red light cameras, they noticed that there was a 30% increase in accidents that occurred at major intersections. With these accidents, also came a number of fatalities caused by car accidents.
Rear-end Collisions
Although red light cameras stop T-Bone accidents, vehicles may not all be entering the intersection at the same time, and instead, rear-end collisions may increase. Some vehicles attempt to stop prior to entering the intersection, which could result in the vehicle behind them slamming on the brakes and colliding with the vehicle in front.
What are common injuries caused by red light camera accidents?
Accidents that occur at an intersection may result in different types of injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Hand injury
- Back injury
- Leg injury
- Internal bleeding
Why is running a red light dangerous?
Many motorists may forget that running a red light could be especially dangerous and lead to severe injuries, not only for other motorists on the road, but also for other pedestrians or bicyclists that may be approaching the intersection. When the driver speeds past a yellow light to make it prior to the red light, it is referred to as a “red light run.” When a driver does run a red light, they may not be able to see what is behind the intersection, which could be pedestrians that are trying to pass through.
Texting While Driving
Red light cameras are also likely to ticket drivers who have passed the intersection at a red light and have been caught with a cell phone in hand. Texting while driving is banned in California, and could result in several different types of accidents.
What causes red light camera accidents?
In certain cases, drivers may pass through red lights without thinking twice. But, in certain cases negligent actions lead to running a red light. Examples include:
- Texting-while-driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigue driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Defective brakes
- Inexperienced driving
Defective Red Light Cameras
In very rare circumstances, you may receive a ticket for driving through a red light when you did not. When you receive a red light traffic citation, you have the right to appeal the decision and describe the situation leading up to the traffic violation. Some defenses you can raise include:
- You never drove past the intersection
- The light was not red at the time you went through the intersection
Based on these defenses listed above, you could lower your red light traffic violation penalty.
Contact Megeredchian Law Firm today
Have you been involved in an accident where there is a red light camera? Give our attorneys a call today. Our attorneys have dealt with car accident victims for the last several decades. Among these car accidents, we have seen several cases where accidents occur at nearby intersections where red-light cameras are prevalent. This is especially true for those that live in Los Angeles. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers (abogados de accidentes) today for a free case evaluation so our attorneys could better assist you.
We are available 24/7 to help our clients with any questions that they may have. Our contingency-fee lawyers are ready to help every step of the way.