RUNNING A RED LIGHT CAN BE DEADLY

July 24, 2000

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that Arizona has a far higher rate of fatal red light running crashes than any other state, with 7.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Phoenix ranked as the leading city with 10.8 deaths per 100,000 people. In fact, three of the four cities with the highest rates of fatal red light running crashes are in Arizona (Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson). In response to these deadly statistics, the state has begun camera enforcement in several cities, and there are plans to install the cameras in some of Phoenix’s intersections by year’s end. The cameras, which are being used to enforce traffic laws in about 40 U.S. communities, reduce red light running by roughly 40 percent, according to IIHS research.