In your pocket in the name of safety

Image via Wikipedia

The red light cameras, being used by many municipalities today, are coming under fire by some states. Texas, Virginia and California are the leaders in reviewing their use of the devices. This is significant, since these states are law "trend setters." Many motorist have been disgusted with these devices since their inception as an enforcement tool. The majority of drivers believe that these devices are strictly used for revenue rather than the advertised improved safety claims. Well, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been keeping a close eye on this and have released results of an on-going study in Virginia and California that has some interesting findings. (More info here) Here are a few issues and subjects under current reviews by the states government.

Issue 1- Devices being used as a source of revenue.

ARGUMENT-The objective of photo enforcement is to deter violators, not to catch them. Signs and publicity campaigns typically warn drivers that photo enforcement is in use. Revenue is generated from fines paid by drivers who continue to run red lights, but this is a fundamental component of all traffic enforcement programs. Independent audits of red light camera enforcement have found that these programs generally do not generate excess revenue.

Issue 2- Do they increase safety?

ARGUMENT- Cameras have been shown to substantially reduce red light violations. In addition to reducing red light violations, cameras have been shown to reduce intersection crashes, indicating community-wide changes in driver behavior. Some studies have reported that while red light cameras reduce front-into-side collisions and overall injury crashes, they can increase rear-end crashes.

Issue 3- Are they enforceable infractions?

ARGUMENT- Before cameras may be used for law enforcement, laws must authorize enforcement agencies to cite red light violators by mail. The legislation must make the vehicle owner responsible for the ticket, establishing a presumption that the registered owner is the vehicle driver at the time of the offense. Depending on state law, violations photographed by red light cameras are commonly treated in one of two ways — as traffic violations or as the equivalent of parking tickets. The law can make registered vehicle owners responsible without regard to who was driving at the time of the offense.

Harmony on the Highways wanted you, the motoring public, to know this because of the reality that red light cameras are the rising cause of rear-end, with injury, collisions. This is because drivers are slamming on brakes to avoid a ticket! if you are aware of this happening then you can adjust your driving habits. Get to know your driving environment and pay closer attention to the red light camera locations in your city. Until the legislation is changed or amended, the probability of increased, enforced intersection collisions, will continue to rise. Harmony has our points of view to both sides of the argument but believes the best solution to all of it is becoming a more AWARE driver. To get more perspectives on this topic visit these links.

National Motorist Association
Ride Lust
ARS


Thanks for reading and SMILE you may have just had your photo taken!