The problem of red-light-running is widespread and growing; its cost to society is significant. A wide range of potential countermeasures to the red-light-running problem exists. Unfortunately, guidelines are not available for identifying "problem" intersections and whether engineering or enforcement countermeasures are appropriate at a particular intersection. Moreover, there has been concern voiced over the validity of various methods used to identify problem locations, especially when automated enforcement is being considered. There has also been concern expressed that engineering countermeasures are sometimes not fully considered prior to the implementation of enforcement. The objectives of this research project are to: (1) quantify the safety impact of red-light-running at intersections in Texas, and (2) provide guidelines for identifying truly problem intersections and whether enforcement or engineering countermeasures are appropriate. This report documents the findings from the first year of a two-year project. During the first year, data were collected to quantify the character and extent of red-light violations and related crashes in Texas. Data were also collected to quantify the effectiveness of intersection traffic control enforcement. The findings from a review of the literature on red-light-running and an analysis of red-light-running crash data are included in this report. A procedure for identifying and quantifying red-light-running-related crashes is described.
Abstract