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Do Speed Cameras reduce the amount of Serious Accidents per year?

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Do Speed Cameras reduce the amount of Serious Accidents per year?

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The focus of my research will be to understand the main purpose of speed cameras and whether they affect the amount of speeding which happens in the country. I am also wanting to discover whether the speed cameras are helping to prevent the amount of serious accidents which take place in the country or whether they make no difference at all.

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I have chosen this research theme due to the fact that I am learning to drive and the subject was so my personal interest. Speed cameras are used to control the speed we drive at in areas but after a lot of research into the topic I have found that on average 48% of them are not in use some of the time. www.admiral.com/magazine/news-and-current-affairs/only-half-of-speed-cameras-are-actually-on. We are taught that we have speed limits to keep us safe and to avoid accidents on the roads but road accidents still happen. I want to find out whether speed cameras are actually helpful to stop speeding and also is speeding really the reason for these road accidents or was there other variables involved. I am also interested in this topic as it costs around £20,000 to install and run a speed camera for a year and that is a huge amount of money to be spending on something if it isn't making any difference to the amount of people who speed. https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/gatso.htm.

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- To research my subject I will first find secondary information on the topic by reading online news reports and investigations into the use of speed cameras. Secondary Data can be defined as' data that have been already collected by and readily available from other sources'. (http://www.managementstudyguide.com/secondary_data.htm) This means that the data collected was not done by me it was sources by someone else and I am utilising it.

- I will also make sure to look at both sides of the argument in order to make a non-bias assessment on the situation. I will also be conducting an online questionnaire which I will control by making sure every person that does the test does it the same why and has the same questions. I will use this test to discover what drivers and non-drivers think about the use of speed cameras. I also want to find out from them if they have ever ignored a speed camera and if so did they get any consequences from this. The issues with using an online test are that it can crash during the test, due to an internet issue or bad software. Someone could web search to find an answer to the questions which would mean that the answers are not reliable. However, it means that everyone gets the same assessment, it also means that I can collect the results easily and I know that they are correct because they have been calculated by a computer.
- Once I have performed my questionnaire I will use these findings, along with my secondary information, to discuss the possibility of speed cameras making no difference to how we drive. I can also see how much information people actually know about them and how they work. If the test shows that experienced drivers still don't understand how they work this could show that the existence of them is pointless. However, it could show that the drivers feel a lot more comfortable knowing that they are of the road where you have to follow the speed limit because of a speed camera. This test should bring lots of findings which should help me come to a conclusion.
- Once I have my findings I will present them in a report type fashion which will allow the reader to see how I found the information and how I came to my finally conclusion. It will read like a story with me first explaining my research and what that taught me. It will then follow with me explaining my conclusion and any other results I came too along the way. I will also be presenting my findings using graphs and tables to show evidence to support my conclusion.
- From my research I hope to come too a justified conclusion to my research subject. I also hope to have clear evidence to support my conclusion by using ethical resources and by studying my data carefully. I hope to come to a non-bias conclusion by looking at both sides of the argument and using my primary research to the best of my ability.
-From my research I am wanting to achieve a settled conclusion as to whether the installation of speed cameras is worth the investment. I want to find out if drivers understand how average speed cameras work as these are the most used speed cameras on our motorway.
-I want to discover whether having speed cameras on all roads in the UK would make the country safer and easier to drive on.

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Introduction/ Literature Review (for proposal)

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Introduction/ Literature Review (for proposal)

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Research has shown that on average 800,000 people are caught speeding by a speed camera in the UK every year. The focus of my research will be as to whether this effects the amount of serious incidences which take place in the UK. (www.phys.org/news/2017-11-cameras.html) Speed cameras are generally installed after a spike in the amount of collisions which take place in an area, however 80% of the people they catch simply get a £100 fine for them being caught, this is the minimum penalty. This has caused a lot of people to believe that speed cameras are simply there to make money and that their existence makes no difference to the driving world. However according to research done in this news report, (https://www.theguardian.com/uk/reality-check/2013/jun/07/reality-check-do-speed-cameras-reduce-serious-road-accidents). Out of 572 speed cameras set up across the UK 551 of them found that the amount of serious incidences in the area went down since the speed camera was put in place. However, there were 21 areas where there was no change or an increase in incidences due to speed which leaves us question the reliability of this source. On one hand it shows that speed cameras do slow drivers down and make them think before they speed. On the other hand, the results could belike this because of variables which we cannot control. This report will be used in my research as the secondary data will be helpful to compare to my own research.
Other research has shown me that a recent survey shows that four of the UKs major police forces don't even have any speed cameras switched on. In this guardian news report, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/04/only-half-of-britains-fixed-speed-camera-are-active, we can see that as well as these four police forces there is also 13 forces which only have half of their cameras switched on. This begs the question, are they worth the investment to install them. On average a speed camera costs £20,000 to install and then a further investment in order to keep it running. I want to find out whether this is worth spending if half of the UKs speed cameras aren't switched on. This report will be used in my research do evaluate the costs of speed cameras and also to see whether they are losing the government money or actually making it. Another report which was done by the BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41869134, has a similar story but has more facts. For example only 1,486 cameras which is 52% of all speed cameras in the UK are switched on. I will use both reports to help me structure a report and to help me structure my own primary research.
My final subject for my research will be how many people each year are actually caught speeding. From a telegraph report, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/26/four-people-caught-speeding-every-minute-last-year-area-hotspot/, we find that the equivalent to four people every minute where caught by a speed camera somewhere in the UK. In 2016 there was a total of 1.97 million speeding tickets issued. This can be useful for my research as it also tells me where in the country these happened and where the hot-spots for speeding where. This will help me to understand whether other information is bias or whether it is true. I can also link this to my first story which is about how when speed cameras were put in an area the amount of collisions reduced. I will be able to tell if the 21 outliers where in an area which was known for not having a lot of speeding or whether it was a hot-spot for speeding.
Overall, I believe that these stories are the best sources to help me in my investigation into speed cameras. I can find clear statistics from each one and I can also link a few stories together to create a more stable argument.

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My Research Tool
During my research and investigation I will be using a range of different types of data. These can be split into two different types, Quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data can be defined as ' data expressing a certain quantity, amount or range. Usually, there are measurement units associated with the data.' This is according to https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=2219. This means that the data that is collected is focusing on numbers and mathematical calculations. It can be collected and can be put into graphs very easily. The advantages of this information is that firstly it is easy to relay the information to other people. It is very easy to display the information in a format that it can be given to anyone and they would be able to understand it. It is also very easy to format questions within the questionnaire which are usually very easy for people to answer. This is mean that my questionnaire is accessible to everyone who answers the questions and it doesn't matter their knowledge because the questions will be very basic. The other type of data is qualitative data. According to http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/qualitative-data.html 'Data that approximates or characterizes but does not measure the attributes, characteristics, properties, etc., of a thing or phenomenon.' This means that the data is personal with every person and that it can not be measured using numbers. this type of data focuses on individuals and how they feel towards a subject. This type of data will be really useful for my research as I will be able to see how data differs between people and how people really feel about a subject. The disadvantage to this data is that it cannot be collected as easily and you cannot show it in a table or a graph because every answer is individual.
During my research I will be using a range of both types of data. I will be use both because I will be able to form a stronger report at the end. If I collect quantitative data I will be able to see what percentage of the group think one way compared to the rest. I will also be able to present the data in graphs and tables which will be able to represent than qualitative data. However I will use qualitative data because I will get a range of answers which will help me decide which side my argument could go. I will also get personal opinions which I wont be able to get from quantitative data.
My research will be done using an online survey which I will construct. This is a good way of collecting data as it is easily accessible to my group. It also means that everyone gets the same test and there is no variation in what questions are in the test. It also means that I can collect the data very easily and present it in a graph or a table without having to draw it all by hand. The disadvantages of using the online survey are firstly that someone could web search the answers to the questions if they didn't know the answers. This means that the results of the question wouldn't actually reflect the knowledge of the group. Secondly, as the survey is online it could drop out at any point. The internet could fail which would end up closing the questionnaire and all the data would be lost. However, online surveys are very tidy and are easy to construct which means they are perfect for what I am wanting to research.
My Sample
For my sample I had the option to use either a random or non-random sample. A Random sample 'a method of selecting a sample from a statistical population in such a way that every possible sample that could be selected has a predetermined probability of being selected.'- (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/random-sampling) would give me a good result as I would have no idea of any of their histories and it would be likely that they would all come from different backgrounds. They would all be given the same quiz and would be able to answer it without knowing anything behind the reason for the questionnaire. They would also not know each other so wouldn't be able to use each others answers. A random sample would illuminate a lot of variables as it could be a balanced mix of ages and genders. On the other hand, a non-random sample, 'A sample selected by a non-random method. For example, a scheme whereby units are selected purposively would yield a non-random sample. Again, a sample obtained by taking members at fixed intervals on a list is a non-random sample unless the list was arranged in a random order.'- (https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=3899) allows for convenience. A non-random sample is a group of people who I decide to use. This allows for me to decide who does the quiz and its also a lot easier to get the group together. During my research I will be using a non-random sample because I have a time constraint on my research. I also have to follow collect policy which means I cannot collect a random sample. It is also very convenient for my research as it saves time. My sample will be my class group which consists of 18 people with 5 being male and 13 being female. They are all of White British nationality and are between the age range of 17-20. Everyone in the group is a public service student and is from the year 2 group. There is also a mixture of drivers and non-drivers which means that my questionnaire will not be specific to those who drive it will be aimed at everyone.

Ethics
Ethics can defined as 'the correct rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research. We have a moral responsibility to protect research participants from harm. However important the issue under investigation psychologists need to remember that they have a duty to respect the rights and dignity of research participants'.- (https://www.simplypsychology.org/Ethics.html)

During my questionnaire it is important that I look after the people doing the survey and that all their information is protected. Firstly I will create a survey which will not offend anyone and will not ask any questions which could be deemed as offensive. All the questions will be helpful towards answering my question and all data will be protected and stored for a minimum of 3 years. Secondly when it comes to actually giving people the questionnaire to do. I will make sure that they all do the questionnaire at the same time so they cannot share answers. I will also tell them all the safety information, this will include where the fire exits are and where they can find toilets. This will be given to everyone at the same time so that they all have the same information.
Validity and Reliability
Validity is how helpful and useful the information is towards the research topic. It can be defined as 'applies to both the design and the methods of your research. Validity in data collection means that your findings truly represent the phenomenon you are claiming to measure. Valid claims are solid claims.' (http://linguistics.byu.edu/faculty/henrichsen/ResearchMethods/RM_2_18.html)
This means that any work or research I produce must be valid and it must help work towards a conclusion for my research question. To makes sure that I manage this I will firstly make sure that my questionnaire focuses of the topic that I am researching. I wont ask questions which do not have any relevance to the topic. I will also make sure that I use case studies and secondary data which helps towards my topic.
Secondly I need to make sure that my work is reliable and is truthful. Reliability means 'The quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.'- (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/reliability). To make sure that all my work is reliable I will use trustworthy data sources. I will also make sure that any data that I produce is protected and that I do not recreate any of it. I will only use primary data which is made by me I will not source anything else from anywhere. I will also make sure that I proof read all my work and that I get other people to check it before I publish anything as otherwise I could be telling people things which aren't true.

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All the data I collect from my questionnaire will be analysed, counted and collected into a document. I will then use that data to create tables and graphs which will be used in my further study to explain what the questionnaire has taught me. I will also be able to see any trends created in the study. The answers given by people who drive could be all very similar and then the answers which are given by non-drivers could again be very similar but different to that of the people who drive. I will present this data in a way that anyone reading it would be able to understand it and I would be able to explain it easily. I will also collect the qualitative data but this wont be presented in a graph as it cannot be. I will use these to explain my question and what findings the questionnaire has given me. I will also be able to see contrasting knowledge and opinions.

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- Admiral: (2018) Only Half of Speed Cameras are Actually on: Available at:
www.admiral.com/magazine/news-and-current-affairs/only-half-of-speed-cameras-are-actually-on (Accessed on 9/01/18)

- Speed Cameras UK.com: (2017) Gatso Cameras Explained: Available at: https://www.speedcamerasuk.com/gatso.htm (Accessed on: 9/01/18)
- Management Study Guide: (2018) Secondary Data, Advantages and Disadvantages: Available at: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/secondary_data.htm (Accessed on 16/01/18)
- Mattha Busby: (2017) The Guardian: Only Half of Britain's fixed Speed Cameras are active: Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/04/only-half-of-britains-fixed-speed-camera-are-active (Accessed on 17/01/18)

-BBC News: Half of UK Road speed cameras are switched off: Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41869134 (Accessed on 17/01/18)

- Patrick Scott and Jack Kemster: The Telegraph: Four People Were Caught Speeding Every Minute Last Year: Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/26/four-people-caught-speeding-every-minute-last-year-area-hotspot/ (Accessed on 17/01/18)

OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms: (2006) Quantitative: Available at: https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=2219 (Accessed on 17/01/18)
Business Dictionary: (2017) Qualitative Data Definition: Available at: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/qualitative-data.html (Accessed on 23/01/18)
Dictionary.com: (2018) Random Sampling: Available at: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/random-sampling : (Accessed on 23/01/18)
OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms: (2004) Non-Random Sample: Available at: https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=3899 (Accessed on 23/01/18)
Psychology Research Ethics: (2017) Ethics: Available at:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/Ethics.html (Accessed on 23/01/18)
Oxford Dictionary: (2018) Reliability: Available at: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/reliability (Accessed on 23/01/18)