I used to live in a building at a very busy intersection in Chicago where people were regularly hit by cars. I was almost hit myself a few times and it was a source of great anxiety.
The city installed red light cameras and very quickly it became a much, much safer street to cross.
I know a lot of people hate those cameras but at least sometimes they are a good thing.
Dude lied that the sun was in his eyes, couldn't see the light.
Simple math and physics proved him wrong, but no one understands math and physics anymore, so the killer got off with a small fine.
That's what a life is worth these days. My right to speed trumps your right to live.
Anyway, long discussions with local police and community leaders about cameras. Too expensive, privacy rights, possible state constitutional amendment banning them.
Somewhere in there, I got them to admit that the sole reason we send patrol cars out with radar guns to catch speeders is that it's low hanging fruit. Red light collisions are more likely to be fatal, but policing is too hard. Usually no obvious "trap" location to park so the officer can safely pursue. And if they do stop you, it's too easy to fight it.
I will say: big fan of red light cams. Proven life saver. There'll all over in Germany, work great, cheap, no controversy. Here, we subcontract to shady companies that hold local law enforcement hostage to service contracts. Lawyers gin up privacy smoke screens. Cuz, you know, the constitution says you have a right to not only drive, not only speed, but speed through red lights.
Living in baltimore and having cameras facing the front, and back doors, and the sidewalks has been great. There is a camera registry that has helped the police on a few occasions.
I don't do things that are illegal (mostly), so I don't care if cameras are in public spaces. If it deters people from doing illegal things, then I think they are a necessary evil.
don't care
We're at info overload.
only really works on TV.
Know of at least cases where the info someone needed was filmed, but no one knew how to get it.
Might as well glue dummy cameras all over. Like gas stations used to sell fake car phone antennas.
I used to live in a building at a very busy intersection in Chicago where people were regularly hit by cars. I was almost hit myself a few times and it was a source of great anxiety.
The city installed red light cameras and very quickly it became a much, much safer street to cross.
I know a lot of people hate those cameras but at least sometimes they are a good thing.
@christinerenee
Lost a friend to a texting red light runner.
Dude lied that the sun was in his eyes, couldn't see the light.
Simple math and physics proved him wrong, but no one understands math and physics anymore, so the killer got off with a small fine.
That's what a life is worth these days. My right to speed trumps your right to live.
Anyway, long discussions with local police and community leaders about cameras. Too expensive, privacy rights, possible state constitutional amendment banning them.
Somewhere in there, I got them to admit that the sole reason we send patrol cars out with radar guns to catch speeders is that it's low hanging fruit. Red light collisions are more likely to be fatal, but policing is too hard. Usually no obvious "trap" location to park so the officer can safely pursue. And if they do stop you, it's too easy to fight it.
Inertia. Strongest force in public policy.
I will say: big fan of red light cams. Proven life saver. There'll all over in Germany, work great, cheap, no controversy. Here, we subcontract to shady companies that hold local law enforcement hostage to service contracts. Lawyers gin up privacy smoke screens. Cuz, you know, the constitution says you have a right to not only drive, not only speed, but speed through red lights.
They make great mirrors to pick your nose in. Or so I've heard.
Living in baltimore and having cameras facing the front, and back doors, and the sidewalks has been great. There is a camera registry that has helped the police on a few occasions.
Notify the Toilet Safety Administration!
I don't do things that are illegal (mostly), so I don't care if cameras are in public spaces. If it deters people from doing illegal things, then I think they are a necessary evil.