A longitudinal assessment of the effect of a speed camera on road accident rates in Coles. Ourense, Spain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46661/respublica.13444Keywords:
section speed enforcement, traffic accidents, before–after studyAbstract
Section-based speed enforcement systems, aimed at reducing traffic accidents, have become essential tools for monitoring compliance with speed limits. In this context, the present study evaluates the impact on accident rates following the installation of such a system on a section of road located in Coles (Ourense, Spain). To this end, a longitudinal before–after design was employed, analyzing accident data over a 20-year period divided into two phases: ten years prior to and ten years following the implementation of the device. The outcome variables considered included the total number of accidents, as well as their classification according to severity: accidents with minor injuries, accidents with serious injuries, and fatal accidents. Overall, the findings suggest that average speed enforcement constitutes an effective intervention for the sustained improvement of road safety, by promoting greater homogeneity in traffic speeds and restricting risk-related behaviors. Furthermore, this study provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of section control speed cameras as a public policy tool in the management and prevention of road accidents.References
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