American Traffic Solutions Says New Independent Study Reaffirms the High-Stakes People Encounter when Red-Light Cameras Are Turned Off

MESA, Ariz., July 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- American Traffic Solutions (ATS), touted the findings released Thursday from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a stark reminder of the high stakes drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users face when red-light safety camera programs are turned off.

The analysis of 14 cities that had ended their red-light camera programs during 2010 to 2014, found the rate of fatal red-light running crashes jumped 30 percent compared with the expected rate had cameras remained in use, according to the IIHS report titled "Effects of Turning On and Off Red-Light Cameras on Fatal Crashes in Large U.S. Cities."

IIHS researchers found this same pool of cities with 200,000 residents or more also experienced a 16 percent increase per capita in fatal crashes of all types, exacting an estimated 63 lives that could have been saved had the cameras remained on.

"This research again proves red-light safety cameras work," said ATS spokesperson Charles Territo. "We are proud to partner with so many communities across the country to help save lives."

Upon the report's release, the Governors Highway Safety Association issued a statement saying in part: "These numbers represent real lives lost that could have been saved with red-light cameras. We hope that states and communities across the country will examine the latest IIHS data and consider implementing red-light cameras in locations where they will truly make a difference, saving both lives and money."

Over the past few years, separate reports have shown a change for the worse in driver behavior when red-light cameras have been removed. For example:

• In Tucson, Arizona, red-light running violations increased an average of 107 percent in the first 60 days after the city stopped using photo enforcement to issue violations. Source: KOLD-TV CBS 13/TucsonNewsNow.com, Feb. 8, 2016. http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/31154362/special-report-violations-go-up-after-red-light-cameras-come-down?clienttype=generic
• In Collier County, Florida, collisions increased by an average of 10 more a month during the 18 months after red-light safety cameras were turned off. Source: WBBH-TV NBC 2, Nov. 13, 2014. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/27378107/nbc2-investigation-are-red-light-traffic-cameras-coming-back#.VG5Qw_nF_9Y
• Crashes increased 117 percent and fatal collisions rose 30 percent in Houston during the four years after red-light safety cameras went dark. Source: The Houston Chronicle, Oct. 28, 2014. http://m.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Crashes-double-at-Houston-intersections-after-red-5852853.php

"Clearly, the research continues to show that when red-light cameras are removed, the result is an intersection that is more deadly. ATS urges drivers to abide by the traffic laws, slow down on yellow and stop on red," added Territo.

About American Traffic Solutions:

ATS is proud to be the market leader in road safety camera installations in North America. ATS has more than 3,200 installed red-light, speed safety cameras and school bus stop arm cameras serving more than 30 million people. ATS Fleet Services is a leader in providing both Toll and Violation Management Solutions to fleets and rental customers saving them time and money. For more information, please visit: www.atsol.com. ATS can also be found on Twitter, @ATS_Roadsafety; Facebook, ATSolutions; and YouTube, ATSROADSAFETY.

Contact: Charles Territo
Title: Senior Vice President of Sales,
MarComm and Public Affairs
Phone: (480) 443-7000
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE American Traffic Solutions

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