Traffic laws and methods should be decided by the elected officials not through a popularity contest. There are nearly 1,000 deaths and 150,000 injuries nationally each year as the result of red light running and in order to reduce these statistics it may be necessary to have unpopular traffic law enforcement methods.
Traffic safety laws should be decided by the elected officials not by a popularity contest. If you put to a vote that the speed limit should be increased to 50 miles per hour throughout the city, it would probably pass. Imagine what a mess it would be if every time the U.S. Congress passed a law it would have to be voted on in a national election. With nearly 1,000 deaths and 150,000 injuries nationally each year as the result of red light running, enforcement methods, even though unpopular, may be necessary.
We unfortunately live in a day and age where distracted and aggressive driving is rampant. I don't think a reward program would have much influence on the very drivers who are prone to red light running and speeding. Nobody likes to get a ticket but placing red-light enforcement cameras at intersections that have increased danger for collisions has been shown in many communities to be a valuable pro-safety tool.
This sounds like an old fashioned don't throw the baby out with the bath water story. Because Redflex was irresponsible in not getting proper FCC certification, don't condemn camera enforcement. Red-light and/or speed camera enforcement is in use in more than 400 municipalities in the US and is adding to safety. Both reduce collisions and, therefore, reduce injuries.
Red-Light Cameras
Red-Light Cameras in Houston
(untitled comment)
Don't throw the baby out
Don
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by branden884.
Submit a story now.
Tools & Services
TwitterFacebook
RSS
Podcast
Research & Reports
Company
About UsAdvertising Policies
Privacy
Contact
Help & FeedbackMedia Kit
Sponsor/Advertise
Submit a Story
More
Copia InstituteInsider Shop
Support Techdirt