The problems of red light running in Christchurch City

Abstract

Red light running (RLR) is a frequent driving act which causes severe crashes. The road network of Christchurch City is based on a grid structure, which increases the number of intersections and the likelihood of intersection crashes. According to the 2005 Christchurch road safety report, crashes at urban intersections account for nearly 60 percent of all urban crashes in Christchurch City. Most of these crashes were related to RLR. However, not many detailed study has been conducted for RLR problems in Christchurch. This dissertation reviewed the characteristics of RLR issues and corresponding countermeasures based on previous research. In addition, the object of this study is to summarize some major features of RLR problems in Christchurch City by analysing the reported injury crash data from Crash Analysis System (CAS) between 1980 and 2005. The results showed that the number of RLR related crashes have decreased, as the reduction was not as significantly as for other crashes. The number of RLR crash per 100,000 populations in Christchurch was significantly greater than Auckland and Wellington City. Furthermore, October was the worst month for RLR crashes; the highest number of RLR crash occurred on Saturday; and the worst time for these crashes was on Friday and Saturday nights (21:00-23:59); a large number of RLR crashes occurred during the early morning (00:00- 2:59) of Saturday and Sunday. In addition, drivers at fault in RLR crashes were frequently young male drivers aged between 15 and 24 years old. Approximately one quarter of the RLR injury crashes involved alcohol or speed violations. More attention should be paid on the RLR problems in Christchurch in the future.