There are a lot of objections to speed cameras by drivers in the United States, with most of them considering this type of speed limit enforcement to be nothing more than just another way for local authorities to raise their revenues by issuing more traffic tickets, and the National Motorists Association claiming that photo radars are not always accurate and do not improve traffic safety.
Cameras Helped Reduce Collisions
But, now there is a new study that discredits opponents of speed cameras and suggests that these devices have long-term safety benefits. In 2007, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety started a study that ended last year, following a program in Montgomery County, Maryland, where a total of 56 fixed cameras and 30 portable cameras have been installed during this period of time, accompanied by 6 mobile speed vans. The cameras are in 35-mph residential areas and school zones. After examining the cameras, researchers found that a mere six months after the program was launched, a substantial drop in the number of drivers going at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit was recorded.
This is just one of the programs that were analyzed by the IIHS, with the results of their research published in a report that underscores the benefits of speed cameras.
“Speed cameras get drivers to ease off the accelerator, and crashes are less likely to be deadly at lower speeds,” says IIHS President Adrian Lund. “This study connects the dots to show that speed cameras save lives.”
Less Fatalities and Serious Injuries
Researchers say that seven years after the first speed camera was installed in Montgomery County, drivers were 59% less likely to exceed the the speed limit by 10 mph or more compared to similar roads in Virginia where speed limits are not enforced by speed cameras. What’s more, a 19% reduction in crashes that typically result in fatalities or serious injuries was recorded on Montgomery County’s roads, as compared to the Virginia roads.
Another important factor noted in this report is that fatal or incapacitating injuries were down 39 percent on roads with speed limits between 25 mph and 35 mph.
Could Save Thousands of Lives
According to the IIHS, the results of this study suggest that as many as 21,000 lives would be spared if speed cameras were installed in all states across the country.
Researchers go on to say that speed cameras can be a big factor in changing driver behavior and curbing speeding. The report states that in order for cameras to be effective, driver must be aware of them. Researchers surveyed drivers in Montgomery County about their awareness of speed cameras, with 95 percent of respondents saying that they knew the cameras were there. This clearly indicates that raising public awareness of speed cameras can help encourage drivers to obey speed limits and improve road safety.