Red Light Running

Damaged Traffic Signal Pole
Fairbanks M&O workers replace a damaged traffic signal pole on the Mitchell Expressway in Fairbanks. Photo by Daniel Schacher, Alaska DOT&PF.		 Traffic Engineers meet
Traffic Engineers checking out Fairbanks video detection. Photo by Kurtis Smith, Alaska DOT&PF.		 Taking Concrete Sample
Technician Marta Kawka prepares to take a concrete sample during pour for new sign base. Photo by Artem Rupert, Alaska DOT&PF.

In 2006, as many as 245 crashes, 190 injuries and 2 fatalities in Alaska were attributed to red light running. Between 2000 and 2006, motor crashes at traffic signals increased 30.3 percent, outpacing the rise in many other crashes in Alaska. Nationally Public costs for Red Light Running crashes exceed $14 billion per year. In Alaska and across the nation more than half of the deaths in red light running crashes are other motorists and pedestrians, so there is no debate that red light runners are dangerous drivers who irresponsibly put others at risk.

The problem in Alaska's communities is even greater, as red light running is among the leading causes of urban automobile crashes. In many communities, the yellow light has come to symbolize "hurry up" instead of "slow down."

Enforcement Lights: A Simple Tool for Safer Highways

Red Light Running Advisory Committee

An Advisory Committee is using the existing traffic light controlling cameras at Boniface and Mt. View in Anchorage to perform a manual assessment of red light running behavior. Frequency and Potential Severity of Red Light Running in Anchorage "Pilot Study". pdf icon (81KB)

The Red Light Running  Research Project Technical Advisory Committee:

    • Technical Advisors: 
      • DOT&PF Highway Safety Improvement Program Jeff Jeffers
      • DOT&PF Central Regional Traffic Engineer, Scott Thomas
      • Municipality of Anchorage Engineer, John Crapps
      • Anchorage Police Department Lt. Justin Doll
    • Researchers:
      • UAA Dr. Abaza, Trevor Strait
      • Research Consultant Ron Perkins
    • Friends of the Project:
      • Alaska Highway Safety Office Administrator Cindy Cashen
      • DOT&PF Research Chief Clint Adler
      • FHWA Planner Kris Riesenberg

Alaska Red Light Running Surveys, Update 2011,Final Report pdf icon (344KB)

Red Light Running Survey Form pdf icon (23KB)

Sample Red Light Observation Form pdf icon (11KB)

Attitudes Toward Red Light Camera Enforcement in Cities with Camera Programs Exiting DOT&PF website