US State Rejects Red Light Cameras
May 9, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Whilst in Australia a feeling of anti Americanism might be running high, there are a few things that American’s do better than us, one of those things is to not follow the advice of so called “road experts” who do nothing but promote revenue raising agendas when it comes to road safety.
The US state of Nevada recently voted in the Senate to overwhelmingly reject red light cameras by a 15-6 vote. Nevada is one of a growing number of jurisdictions with a specific statute banning automated photo ticketing. In a committee hearing, a number of top police officials from across Nevada testified that red light enforcement systems were essential for safety reasons.
However, unlike here in Australia were laws are passed based on questionable statistics, Nevada state senators questioned the motivation behind the bill. Senator Joe Heck (R-Henderson) specifically asked the officials whether they had first considered safety alternatives to the cameras.
“In looking through your written handout, I note the statistics from the Philadelphia study show violations dropped after yellow lights were extended,” Dr. Heck said. “Have we taken that incremental approach in Nevada?“
“I am not familiar with any efforts,” Frank Adams, Executive Director of the Nevada Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Association responded.
The problem of revenue raising is not just an issue here in Australia, American drivers also feel our pain.
The goal of that model law was to eliminate pesky due process. By fining the vehicle owner, they can streamline the collection of fines. You are guilty until proven innocent.” Chad Dornsife, the Executive Director of the Best Highway Safety Practices Institute testified
Nevada 1 – Red Light Cameras – 0
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I dont know how you can defence not having red light cameras. I agree speed cameras are useless, this is prity much fact, you speed through them crash 1km down the road, they dont prevent anything. But red light cameras do, people always think twice about going through the lights when they are close to going red (your meant to stop when its amber given you have enough distance but most people dont) solely because it could have a red light camera in place.
As for violations dropping as amber lights were increased, Im sure in the short term it would as people stop earlier being use to them turnign red sooner…. but after people cotton onto the fact they are staying yellow for longer, they will start to push it!
People SLAM on the brakes causing accidents to avoid a $150 fine. Thats why Red Light cameras are ineffective at reducing accidents.