Red-light cameras still reducing crashes

• DelDOT has seen an average 29 percent drop in red-light-running crashes.
• Few people appeal the citations in court. About 204 cases were scheduled for trial in 2013, and 26 were dismissed.
• One in five drivers cited for red-light-running in 2013 failed to pay up – nearly 7,800 violations totaling more than $998,250.
• The total number of crashes at intersections remains unchanged, in part due to a rise in rear-end crashes

Delaware's red-light cameras continue to reduce the frequency of dangerous crashes at 30 intersections statewide, even as they net fewer dollars than in previous years, according to the annual report on the state's program.

The Delaware Department of Transportation's monitoring program generated 39,068 red-light-running citations and roughly $4 million in 2013. After expenses – including sending a collection agency after delinquent violators – the program netted just under $900,000.

DelDOT has seen an average 29 percent drop in red-light-running crashes since monitoring began and an average 47 percent drop in the most severe type of crashes where the impact occurs at an angle.

The total number of crashes at the intersections remains unchanged, in part due to an increase in rear-end crashes.

"I'm definitely pleased with how this is going. We're changing driver behavior and saving lives," said Adam Weiser, director of traffic-safety programs for DelDOT.

"We focus on where the crashes are, and that's why we believe our program is successful."

Due to funding constraints, the state has not installed or relocated cameras to intersections with red-light-running problems for a couple of years, waiting until its contract with vendor ATS expires in June.

After a transition period, officials will consider a list of candidate intersections where crash data indicate a hazard, Weiser said. People likely won't see new cameras until some time next year.

In Wilmington, which oversees its own red-light camera program, Mayor Dennis Williams has proposed adding 10 more cameras next fiscal year. A spokeswoman did not respond to requests for details.

Wilmington chooses camera sites not based on crash data but where red-light violations are high – a practice criticized by the auto club AAA Mid-Atlantic. Unlike DelDOT, which puts collected fines towards safety upgrades and traffic enforcement, Wilmington has funneled the revenue to its general fund.

DelDOT says it resolved problems with ATS that included malfunctioning and aging cameras and slow response times, which contributed to a 22-percent drop in citations in 2012.

Citations rebounded by 3 percent last year, including those captured by cameras in Elsmere, Seaford and Dover, where officials had the most issues.

Jim Lardear of AAA Mid-Atlantic said drivers are likely changing their behavior due to awareness of the camera locations.

The annual state report showed that one in five drivers cited for red-light-running in 2013 failed to pay up – nearly 7,800 violations totaling more than $998,250. Fines are $112.50 each.

Outstanding fines total $6.1 million over nine years – the bulk from vehicles registered in Delaware. Those folks won't be able to renew their Delaware registration without paying.

DelDOT cannot impose registration holds on out-of-state vehicle owners, although officials are pursuing reciprocal agreements with other states.

After three months of delinquency, DelDOT sends a collection agency after those who ignore fines.

Few people appeal the citations in court. About 204 cases were scheduled for trial in 2013, and 26 were dismissed. Most cases are settled before court after the accused views the video recorded by the cameras of the violation.

Contact Melissa Nann Burke at (302) 324-2320, mburke@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @nannburke.