Red Light Cameras Raise Crash Risk, Cost 499
concealment writes with news of dissatisfaction with a pilot program for stoplight-monitoring cameras. The program ran for several years in New Jersey, and according to a new report, the number of car crashes actually increased while the cameras were present.
"[The program] appears to be changing drivers’ behavior, state officials said Monday, noting an overall decline in traffic citations and right-angle crashes. The Department of Transportation also said, however, that rear-end crashes have risen by 20 percent and total crashes are up by 0.9 percent at intersections where cameras have operated for at least a year. The agency recommended the program stay in place, calling for 'continued data collection and monitoring' of camera-monitored intersections. The department’s report drew immediate criticism from Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, who wants the cameras removed. He called the program 'a dismal failure,' saying DOT statistics show the net costs of accidents had climbed by more than $1 million at intersections with cameras."
Other cities are considering dumping the monitoring tech as well, citing similar cost and efficacy issues.
You want lawsuits ... (Score:4, Funny)
...regarding ...
* 1. exploitation of homeless/unemployed people and putting them in harm's way ?
* 2. drivers getting into accident due to the distraction by the appearance of homeless/unemployed/unkempt people at busy traffic intersections?
* 3. little girls in cars got spooked by homeless/unemployed/unkempt people taking pictures of them?
If your answer is "YES" to all of the above questions, then, sure, go ahead, start distributing digital cameras to homeless/unemployed people and putting them in the middle of busy traffic intersections.
Re:Cost vs injury (Score:5, Funny)
There are a lot of folks out there who think stopping at lights is optional.
my friend had this strange habit; when we approached an intersection he would speed up and plow thru the red lights. I would ask him why and he would say 'relax, my brother does this all the time'. every time, the same thing: running past a red light and telling me not to worry. it all worked up until we came to a green light and, yes, he slams on his brakes. when I ask why he does *that*, his reply was 'look, my brother could be on that road!'
Re:Cost vs injury (Score:5, Funny)
That sounds like logic! I wont have any logic when it comes to traffic control and regulation, its obscene!
Re:Honestly... (Score:0, Funny)
Wreckless drivers slam there break peddle. Or not.