August 08, 2011
By: Jana Bell
Texas auto insurance policies may be on their way down if the results of a new study on traffic safety enhancements are accurate.
According to the Texas Transportation Institute, red light cameras that have been installed at many of the state's intersections have helped reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities that occur on the roads.
TTI researchers arrived at their conclusions after reviewing 11,000 crash incidents at the 275 locations where traffic cameras are installed, then comparing them with accident data from years before and after the cameras were used. Houston was the first to install them in 2007.
The findings indicate there was an overall reduction of 633 crashes when cameras were in use, or what amounts to a drop of 25 percent for red-light related crashes. The decline was even greater for right-angle collisions at 32 percent.
"These findings show clearly that red light cameras offer significant safety benefits," said Troy Walden, who led the research. "Most important, they help prevent the most severe and deadly type of intersection crashes."
Auto insurance providers may end up with lower rates in cities where traffic cameras are in place, as they appear to reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
For more about vehicle safety you can visit: The Department of Transportation- Vehicle Safety Page
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