It seems as though red light cameras are placed on almost every stop light intersection throughout Texas and many other states. Are these cameras really helping Texas or are they just creating an unnecessary hassle?
Personally, I am for red light cameras. I believe the positive aspects of red light cameras out weigh the negative aspects. Red light cameras increase safety to Texas’ drivers. If drivers are aware of cameras at certain intersections, they are, without a doubt, more reluctant to run red lights because they do not want to pay a large fine as a result of their careless action. Red light cameras reduce the number of car accidents because drivers are more cautious. Red light cameras generate tickets, which increase revenue for municipal governments. Additionally, red light cameras deter individuals from running red lights. This incentive results in lower insurance premiums because drivers aren’t involved in as many accidents and do not receive as many tickets.
Some argue that red light cameras display a few negative aspects. First, red light cameras are, in a way, an invasion of privacy. For example, if a college student living away from their parents is out at three o’clock in the morning and runs a red light, a ticket is sent to their parents’ home address where their license plate is more than likely registered to. This informs their parents they were out at all hours of the night. Secondly and most important, red light cameras may cause more rear-end collisions due to abrupt stops. For example, if an individual identifies a camera at a stoplight at the last second, he or she may stop abruptly to ensure they will not be ticketed and cause a rear-end collision.
Both sides of the argument are clear, but I am for red light cameras. Not only do they keep me conscious about not running red lights, they prevent me from receiving tickets. Overall, red light cameras have increased safety, driver caution and awareness. I also believe revenue generated from tickets is positive. If a driver is ticketed because of a red light camera, chances are he or she will be significantly more cautious about running another red light.
In my opinion Red Light Cameras are more of a hassle than they are a benefit. First, as you mentioned invasion of privacy, it's not just about a student's parents finding out he was out all hours it's also about couples possibly getting divorced over the same type of situation. The cameras do not show the person in the car but do show the entire intersection cars around them. In my opinion this is a invasion of privacy. What if someone is borrowing your car? You are now responsible? Most people for red light cameras say yes because you are the registered owner. What If someone borrows your car gets drunk kills someone, and the cops show up and arrest him. Would the cops come over to your house and arrest you too? It's your car you are responsible.
ReplyDeleteAs far as cameras reducing accidents this Blog and News Article beg to differ. I actually have been a victim of a person slamming on their brakes for a yellow light and their wasn't a camera there. It had been raining and I had a three car distance we were moving at 40 MPH on a posted 50 MPH the light turned yellow when she was about 50 feet from the intersection and she slammed on her brakes, I did the same but that vehicle had no ABS the brakes locked up and I panicked instead of pumping the brakes and slid right into her. When she was on the phone talking to her husband she stated that she stopped to fast on the yellow however I was still at fault and my truck was ruined. Statistics can be manipulated to represent any groups best interests.
As far as insurance goes, I have not seen a decrease in my premiums yet. Actually rates in Texas continue to increase. Funny thing is that putting seat belt laws in place was supposed to help insurance premiums as well and how is that working? Granted seat belts do save lives, but why do people get fined $200 for not wearing one? Especially if they have life and health insurance?
These laws are just a way for cities to increase revenue and create another tax on people. If they really cared about safety they would allow you to take more than one defensive driving a year (at least without loops and hoops) or your penalty would be to watch a video of what happens when you don't wear seat belts.
You do offer a good argument to the support of cameras and maybe I am just sore because I got a ticket from a camera. I just don't see enough evidence of its benefit.