tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24213446.post4019765124434970471..comments2024-03-24T06:12:51.173-05:00Comments on jobsanger: Lawmaker Wants To Outlaw "Red-Light" CamerasTed McLaughlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15035498835671628943noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24213446.post-59053191576861163052010-02-06T18:43:29.716-06:002010-02-06T18:43:29.716-06:00I don't live in Texas (I'm in California)....I don't live in Texas (I'm in California)...but I think red light cameras should be outlawed. We're starting to get them everywhere here. I can tell you that it's TRUE on the traffic lights where cameras have been installed, the yellow cycle is much shorter. I've actually stood at an intersection and timed it. There was one intersection where we knew a camera was going to be installed. I timed the cycles before the camera was installed and after. The yellow was much shorter afterward.<br /><br />I don't know whether it's just a software glitch or if the city does it on purpose to trap people. But I think it's intentional.<br /><br />And YES, the cameras are a safety hazard. I have personally witnessed accidents caused by traffic cameras. Peopole get so nervous when they get to an intersection now that they slam on their brakes even when the light first turns yellow. I've seen two rear-end collisions CAUSED by a traffic camera. And there were injuries in one of them...luckily, they were minor.<br /><br />- ChrisChrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24213446.post-28591038944075169892010-01-17T01:30:55.358-06:002010-01-17T01:30:55.358-06:00I agree. The red light cameras should be illegal....I agree. The red light cameras should be illegal. It's supposed to be police catching the people, not a computer. <br /><br />It makes ppl paranoid to drive and in some ways, overcautiousness causes more accidents.<br /><br />This is, very obviously, a money trap for a city that has a budget deficit that is no ones fault but the ppl who implemented the careless spending. Why should we be accountable for others mistakes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24213446.post-32703639263620477482008-07-31T11:24:00.000-05:002008-07-31T11:24:00.000-05:00This is well stated, but I would like to point out...This is well stated, but I would like to point out that this entry does nothing to address the practices of "churning" stop lights, nor does it address the several US cities proven to have shortened yellow light times significantly. While red light cameras are cost effective and likely save far more lives than they endanger, they by no means are beyond abuse. Many cities stand accused of succumbing to "addictive amounts" of revenue from red light ticketing practices.<BR/><BR/>My opinions are as follows: Motorists should always be allotted 1) enough time to perceive a changing light, 2) enough space to perform a full stop, as prescribed in driving handbooks we all once read upon receiving licensure, and 3) a fair chance to appeal ticketing decisions they feel are in question, without prohibitive cost. If research suggests scenarios where drivers are simply not capable of stopping for a red light (and I suggest all opponents and proponents of red light camera laws verse themselves in the research, rather than opinions only), it becomes questionable at best as to whether we should be ticketing citizens in this manner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com