Red Light Running in Trinidad

Abstract

Red Light Running (RLR) has been associated with road traffic collisions in many jurisdictions across the world. The study aimed at evaluating the factors related to red light running (RLR) in Trinidad and Tobago that could be incorporated into policies that would aim to reduce this tendency and its related costs. Using data collected from the Traffic Unit of Trinidad and Tobago and three major intersections in the country, analysis was done on the impact of time of the day, age of the driver, ethnicity, gender, type of the vehicle, location and day of the week which are related to RLR. The results showed that the highest number of RLR occurs during rush hours in the morning and also in the evenings. Also, Indo-Trinidadian and male drivers display a higher tendency towards RLR. It was also established that some junctions have higher RLR rates than others and that Fridays have more RLR cases than all the other days of the week. These findings are very similar to those made in other countries such as the USA. The study has resulted in specific findings that can be used to improve traffic safety policies in the country.