We are all familiar with red light cameras here in New York City. These cameras hide on street corners and take snapshots of cars that run red lights, make illegal rights on red, and nab those who do not stop for the full three seconds. Not all streetlights have these cameras, but as they continue to take in more money, more and more are installed. The cost of a ticket that is received from a red light camera ranges from $50-$100, and an offense can add 3 points to your driving record.
Another automated camera system that is currently less common in New York is speeding cameras. These cameras are programmed similarly to traffic light cameras and recognize vehicles traveling over the designated speed limit. At-fault individuals then receive an image of their tag with a ticket in the mail soon after. New Uork does not have a state law or program in place that addresses speed cameras, so these types of automated law enforcement tools are used sparingly. Citizens have tried to gather the sites of these cameras and post them on personal websites and blogs, but they are sometimes mobile so they move around the city to new spots fairly often.
Many traffic experts are of the belief that enacting speed-camera programs makes roads safer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently reported on such a program that has been in place near Washington, D.C. since 2007. From 2007 to 2014, the number of vehicles traveling more than 10 mph over the limit decreased by 59% when compared with comparable roads nearby that were not employing speed cameras. It is estimated that approximately 21,000 serious injuries and deaths would have been prevented in 2013 alone had all U.S. communities used speed limit cameras. This shocking number is due, in part, to the test community’s use of cameras within corridors. Instead of placing speed cameras in precise locations, the devices were regularly moved to various positions along long roadway sectors. This causes drivers to be aware of their speed for longer lengths of time, as opposed to a single area where they know to expect a camera. When a car knows where a camera is, they will only follow the rules for the small area where the camera will see them, and then keep on going on their dangerous ways once they move on past the site of the camera.
While the legality and fairness of automated speed enforcement can be debated, these programs have the potential to make roadways safer throughout the nation. In many areas, citizens may favor the use of speed-cameras, especially in residential areas. The safety factor many times outweighs the hassle. Yes, it is not fun to receive a ticket from the city with a picture of your car running a red light or going 60 mph, it is better than having rammed into someone and causing an accident.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny have over a combined century of experience and achieved over $100 million in verdicts and settlements to prove their success rate. Our attorneys are very familiar with the roadways and laws in and around New York City and have been tackling car accident cases since they began their careers. This is their expertise and they are here to help you get the results you deserve. Call our office today to speak to an attorney about your next steps after a car accident.
