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LAPD: Crashes are Down at Red Light Camera Intersections, KCBS was Wrong
Remember when CBS2 investigated crashes at intersections where red light cameras were installed? Their report concluded that incidents were up, citing the number of rear-end crashes when drivers stopped earlier than expected at yellow lights. But that report was faulty, in our opinion, ignoring the fact that red light cameras are not to blame, but people who tailgating are.
It also said the lights were cash cows, which may have been true then, but now they lose $100,000 a month and are under consideration to be cut to save money. Governor Schwarzenegger wants to help balance the state's budget with more red light photo intersections and some with in Los Angeles want the number of camera-intersections doubled.
In response to the report, the LAPD did their own study (.pdf), finding that crashes, were indeed, down at intersections. They also debunked reporter David Goldstein. "Mr. Goldstein's analysis did not distinguish whether the traffic collisions occurred in proximity to the intersection or mid block... The data provided to Mr. Goldstein listed all traffic collisions without qualification. This included collisions that occurred mid-block or on private property, as well as pedestrian, bicycle, hit and run, sideswipe and several other traffic collisions not relevant to the [Photo Red Light] Program."
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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