Popularity of Red Light Cameras

The popularity of red light cameras is on display again as Harris County residents have voted to get rid of the new intersection decoration. Harris County reinforced the fact that red light cameras against a vote has never prevailed.

Texas Department of Transportation addresses a few of the top red light camera inquiries, which I have found to be interesting.

For instance:

Wouldn’t increasing the length of the yellow signal at an intersection decrease the occurrence of red light running?

• Allowing adequate yellow timing can reduce red light running, but longer yellow time alone does not eliminate the need or potential benefits of red light cameras. Yellow times at signals are determined based on variables such as the posted speed limit, typical deceleration rates of vehicles, the grade of the road, and motorist perception-reaction time.

Doesn’t placing signs on the approach to intersections with red light cameras defeat the purpose of installing the cameras?

• No. The purpose of the red light cameras is to improve intersection safety by reducing the number of red light violations. If the advance notice signs stop motorists from running red lights rather than the cameras themselves, then the purpose of this program is being met.

To begin: a state approved defensive driving course addresses perception-reaction time and how to correctly apply these important concepts. Driver Safety training also defines a yellow light, how to interact with a yellow light and other variables such as obeying the posted speed limit, stopping distance and road conditions.

Taking a driver safety course is important and necessary. The right course will allow you to gain knowledge on intersections and to receive an insurance Certificate of Completion. If you sign up today, complete and submit our Certificate of Completion to your insurance agency you may qualify to receive up to a 10% discount on your insurance premium.