Murfreesboro Police Department has released data taken in relation to the number of crashes occurring at intersection in the city since implementing an automated red light camera enforcement program.

The report compares statistics from a span of time over 2008 and 2009 to one over 2009 and 2010.

Data shows, in the second year of use, intersections not using red light cameras saw a significant decrease in the number of crashes reported. A decrease of 255 crashes total, nearly 14 percent, was reported.

This includes nearly 20 percent fewer side-angle crashes, down from 677 to 542, and just over 10 percent fewer rear end crashes, down to 1052 from 1172.

Intersections using the red light camera enforcement system, however, saw nearly no change in the total with an increase of only one crash reported.

Side impact crashes decreased by nearly 13 percent at these intersections from 63 to 55, but rear end crashes saw an increase from 126 to 135, just over seven percent.

After reviewing the 135 rear end crash reports, the Murfreesboro Police Department determined no drivers attributed the cause of their accident to the red light camera system.

The majority of crashes were attributed to “following improperly,” while other reports listed inattentive, careless, driving under the influence, driver’s foot slipping off the brake or clutch and weather related issues. Ten of the crashes reportedly occurred after the light turned green.

The number of citations issued in the second year resulted in a decrease in citations from 19,995 to 15,420.

“We are pleased to see the reduction in crashes throughout Murfreesboro. From the beginning of the program, the primary goal of this program has been, and will continue to be safety,” Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman said.

“We hope to see the number of offenders as well as the number of crashes continue to decrease in 2010 and 2011. We will continue to utilize traditional traffic enforcement as well as new technologies to make our streets safer for those traveling throughout Murfreesboro,” Chrisman said.

American Traffic Solutions acquired the contract for the light system from Traffipax in June, 2010, and will operate under the same terms and conditions until December 2010 when the contract may be rebid.