Driving Psychology
409a
Red-Light Cameras
By Melissa Mills
Instructions for this activity are found at: http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy25/g25-oral1.htm
Instructor: Dr. Leon James
Peter Rothe, editor (2002).
Driving Lessons: Exploring Systems That Make Traffic Safer. (
I. Red-Light Cameras
A. Automated system designed to photograph vehicles that are violating red traffic signals (running red lights).
B. The cameras record the date, time and location of the vehicle.
C. They are only activated while the light is red.
D. The vehicle sets off a trigger when it crosses over a red light.
II. Red-Light Camera Explanations
` A. Running red lights is problematic and requires technology to enforce and make sure that this behavior stops.
B. They serve other drivers and public safety.
III. Principles.
A. When red light cameras are installed
a. Insurance companies want to be contacted if their customers have a large number of tickets.
b. Balance between individual and social good.
B. Privacy
a. profound ethical feature.
b. Many were opposed to red light cameras because of their lack of privacy.
!V, Running Red Lights
A. After installation of the red light, the occurance of running a read light declined.
B. Reasons for reduction in red light offenses
a. Installing the technology
b. Public awareness of the red light violations.
A. Do not represent a common definition
B. Some drivers enter inadvertently into an intersection after it has turned red
C. Some drivers intentionally run the red light
D. Researchers say that the traffic safety practitioners should pay attention to the drivers who deliberately run the red light
E. Characteristics
1. Red-light runners more likely to be younger than 30 years of age and male
2. More likely to have a fatal injury at an intersection crash
3. Are more likely to have suspended or revoked driver’s licenses
My Homepage:
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2006/mills/mills-home.htm
Class web page:
http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy25/classhome-g25.htm