New Data Show Low Incidents of Right-Angle Collisions and Low Total Crash Rate That Allow Removal of 36 Cameras
CHICAGO-(ENEWSPF)–October 3, 2013. Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced yesterday that 36 red-light-enforcement cameras at 18 intersections across Chicago, which have seen a significant reduction of serious crashes, will be removed from operation.
“Automated traffic enforcement, whether through red-light or speed cameras, is about changing drivers’ behavior,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The cameras at these intersections are now showing a low level of crashes and dangerous angle crashes, which means an enhanced level of safety.”
In 2012, the 18 intersections have experienced either no right-angle crashes, the most dangerous type of crash, or only one right-angle crash and a “total crash rate” of less than one percent. The total crash rate is calculated by dividing the total number of crashes in a year by the average daily traffic counts.
The analysis is based on Illinois Department of Transportation data, which was provided to the Chicago Department of Transportation last week (CDOT).
Angle crashes are most likely to result in serious injury or fatalities. With the removal of the 36 cameras at these 18 intersections, Chicago will now have 348 red light cameras monitoring 172 intersections. CDOT will continue to monitor the red-light camera program.
The 18 intersections where red-light cameras will be removed are:
Osceola and Touhy Avenues
Kedzie and Devon Avenues
Harlem and Higgins Avenues
Sheridan Road and Hollywood Avenue
Austin and Belmont Avenues
Cicero and Belmont Avenues
Halsted and Belmont Avenues
California and North Avenues
Wells and North Avenues
Kostner Avenue and Division Street
Clark Street and Cermak Road
California Avenue and 35th Street
California Avenue and 47th Street
Pulaski Road and 71st Street
Wentworth Avenue and 69th Street
Racine Avenue and 79th Street
79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue
Stony Island Avenue and 89th Street
Source: cityofchicago.org