Drive Like Your Kids Live Here! A Campaign for Safer Streets

One of my favorite quotes, "Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!"

 

As communities across the country focus on promoting safety, the “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!” campaign has emerged as a powerful message aimed at encouraging responsible driving. This initiative serves as a reminder to all motorists that the streets they travel are home to families, children, and pedestrians who deserve protection from reckless driving. Here’s an in-depth look at this important campaign and how it can help create safer neighborhoods for everyone.

The Importance of Safe Driving

Every day, thousands of children navigate their neighborhoods, walking to school, playing outside, and riding bikes. However, as traffic congestion and vehicle speeds increase, the risk of accidents rises dramatically. Safe driving is crucial for several reasons:

1. Protecting Vulnerable Pedestrians: Children are particularly vulnerable due to their size and unpredictability. Drivers must remain vigilant to avoid accidents, especially in residential areas where kids are likely to be present.

2. Reducing Traffic Accidents: Speeding and aggressive driving contribute significantly to traffic accidents. By adopting a cautious driving mindset, we can help reduce the number of collisions and save lives.

3. Promoting a Community Culture: A campaign like “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!” fosters a culture of safety and responsibility within communities. It encourages drivers to think about their impact on their neighbors and fellow residents.

Key Messages of the Campaign

The “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!” campaign conveys several vital messages:

1. Slow Down in Residential Areas: Many communities implement speed limits of 25 mph or less in residential zones. Adhering to these limits is essential for ensuring the safety of children and other pedestrians.

2. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Drivers are encouraged to stay focused on the road, refrain from using their phones, and be aware of their surroundings.

3. Watch for Children: Drivers should be especially cautious in areas where children play or walk, such as near schools, parks, and playgrounds. Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians crossing the street.

4. Obey Traffic Signals and Signs: Following traffic laws is crucial for maintaining order on the roads. Adhering to stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe.

Community Involvement and Engagement

Communities can strengthen the impact of the campaign by taking various steps:

1. Educational Programs: Schools and local organizations can host workshops and seminars to educate children and parents about road safety and the importance of responsible driving.

2. Community Signage: Installing signs that remind drivers to “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!” at key intersections can serve as constant reminders to prioritize safety.

3. Neighborhood Watch Programs: Engaging residents in watch programs can promote accountability among drivers and encourage community members to report reckless driving behavior.

4. Organizing Events: Communities can host events such as “Family Safety Days” where families can learn about traffic safety and participate in fun activities that emphasize safe driving practices.

Conclusion

The “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here!” campaign is more than just a slogan; it’s a call to action for all drivers to prioritize safety in their communities. By slowing down, staying alert, and respecting traffic laws, we can create safer streets for everyone, especially our children. Together, let’s work towards fostering a culture of responsibility and care on our roads, ensuring that every child can play and walk freely without fear. Remember, safe driving is not just about obeying the law; it’s about protecting our future.

Photo Enforcement: Enhancing Road Safety Through Innovative Technology

In an era where road safety is of paramount importance, governments and law enforcement agencies are turning to advanced technologies to improve traffic management and reduce accidents. One such technology that has gained significant attention is photo enforcement. This article explores the concept of photo enforcement, its benefits, and its impact on road safety.

What is Photo Enforcement?

City of Kent, Washington Red Light Camera & Speed Camera Map

Kent, Washington Red Light Camera & Speed Camera Map

According to a recent report by the Kent Reporter, collisions at intersections equipped with red-light cameras in Kent have witnessed a significant surge, jumping by 144%. 

How Traffic Cameras Can Help Drivers Navigate Around Busy Roads

Around the world, there are about 200 million traffic cameras. 

AI Cameras Being Used to Detect Phone Usage In Cars

The use of AI cameras to detect phone usage in cars is an emerging technology that aims to address the issue of distracted driving. These cameras are designed to monitor and analyze driver behavior, specifically focusing on detecting when drivers are using their mobile phones while operating a vehicle.

AI-based camera systems utilize computer vision and machine learning algorithms to analyze real-time video footage and identify signs of distracted driving, such as drivers holding and using their phones while driving. These systems can distinguish between different activities, like making a phone call, texting, or using social media, and can trigger alerts or notifications when a violation is detected.

The deployment and use of AI cameras for detecting phone usage in cars can vary depending on local laws and regulations. Some jurisdictions have implemented or are considering implementing these systems as a means of improving road safety and enforcing distracted driving laws. However, it's important to note that the implementation and acceptance of such technologies can differ between regions, and privacy concerns may also be a factor to consider.

As with any emerging technology, it is advisable to refer to local laws, regulations, and official sources in your jurisdiction to understand the current status and legality of using AI cameras to detect phone usage in cars. Additionally, monitoring developments in this field and staying informed about the latest advancements can provide a more accurate understanding of how this technology is being utilized.

Australia put up the first phone-detecting cameras in New South Wales over the weekend. The move is part of a broader plan to reduce roadway fatalities by 30 percent by 2021 — especially as new technologies continue to exacerbate the issue of distracted driving. “It’s a system to change the culture,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy told Australian media las week.

There’s nothing incredibly new about the cameras themselves. But they’re networked to an artificial intelligence that determines whether or not someone behind the wheel is using their phone. Suspect images are then forwarded to authorized personnel to be verified as truly criminal.

New South Wales wants to put up 45 portable cameras over the next three years, moving them occasionally to keep people on their toes. For the first three months, starting now, offending drivers will only receive warning letters in the mail. The penalty then becomes a $344 AUD ($233 USD), which gets a bit higher in school zones, and some points on their license (again, more in a school zone). Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said the program will progressively expand to perform an estimated 135 million vehicle checks on NSW roads each year by 2023.

Critics of the plan are worried that the cameras sacrifice privacy for negligible safety gains. There have also been fears that the courts could become overwhelmed by drivers disputing bogus claims if the system isn’t spot on with its detection.

While numerous outlets are calling this a world’s first, the Netherlands recently put a similar system in place to catch distracted drivers. China also has a system like this (a rather expansive one) and intends on connecting it to its social credit score program early next year.

“The NSW Government is serious about reducing our state’s road toll and rolling out mobile phone detection cameras is another way we will do this,” explained Minister for Roads Andrew Constance. “As we enter a notoriously dangerous time of the year on our roads I want all drivers to know that if you use your mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle in NSW you will have a greater
chance of being caught, anywhere at anytime … Some people have not got the message about using their phones legally and safely. If they think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence they are in for a rude shock.”

Yellow Light Timing Traffic Laws - Do They Exist?

How long do yellow lights last?

How to Safely Share the Road with Big Trucks

Big trucks are always on roadways across the nation. If they are involved in an accident, it can be much more severe than accidents involving only passenger vehicles.

In one recent year, just tanker trucks specifically were involved in 5,733 crashes. Of those, 372 were deadly. This doesn’t even take into account all the other types of big trucks on the road.

Trying to avoid big trucks can be an important part of staying safe on the road, as can defensive driving techniques.

The following are things to keep in mind when it comes to safely share the road with big trucks or even staying away from them as much as you can.

Give Them Space

The most important thing you can do on the roadway is given big trucks, as well as buses and RVs, plenty of space. Give them significantly more space than you would even another passenger vehicle.

When you give big trucks more space, you’re shielding yourself from a lot of potential risk of sharing the road with them. It’s one of the single most effective tactics to protect yourself, along with remaining vigilant and alert.

You should aim to give regular passenger vehicles a three-second distance at least, so with big vehicles and trucks, go for at least five.

Also, as a side note, if you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirrors, they can’t see you.

Along with generally leaving enough space when you’re near a big truck, ensure that you leave enough room for trucks to change lanes when they need to and never pull over in front of big trucks. A truck driver doesn’t have the ability to stop quickly, especially if they’re pulling a heavy load.

Be Cognizant of Cargo

It’s not just the truck itself that can be potentially dangerous to share the road with when you’re driving. You need to watch out for the cargo too.

For example, if you’re driving too near a flatbed truck with oversized cargo and the load falls, it can cause severe injuries to people nearby in a passenger vehicle.

As far as 18-wheelers with closed trailers, if you see the trailer doors looking partially open or perhaps moving, then it could mean they aren’t secured the right way. You should move out of the way.

Give Room for Turns

A lot of accidents involving big trucks occur when they are trying to turn. Watch out for a truck’s signals.

If a truck driver is signaling they need to turn right, don’t pull up to the trucks’ right side. They need the space for a wide turn.

Know Trucks’ Blind Spots

By understanding the blind spots of a truck and the driver, you’re more prepared to make safe driving decisions.

For example, truck blind spots can include areas on either side of the truck and the area that’s right in front of it. The area right behind a truck is also a blind spot.

Don’t spend time in a truck’s blind spots if at all possible. You might need to slow down or speed up to get out of a blind spot.

Overall, try not to ever drive right next to a truck.

Pass Quickly

If you have to pass a truck, do so as fast as you can. Due to the blind spots listed above, truck drivers might not be aware of what you’re doing or even that you’re there in the first place. If you’re going to pass a truck, ensure you have ample space.

Use Your Turn Signals

Turn signals are something that is so important for all drivers. If you’re going to be changing lanes or turning, use your signals. Truck drivers need those signals to know what they should do next.

Be Mindful of Driving

When a truck driver is tired, texting, or even under the influence of substances, you might notice them drifting between lanes. Trucks can also drift when the winds are high and the vehicle is pushed around, especially if the truck isn’t fully loaded.

Watch for indications a truck is drifting, and stay as far away as you reasonably can.

Overall, following defensive driving guidelines will be best to avoid getting into an accident with a big truck. There are certain things you can’t control on the roadway, but you can fully control your own driving behavior and decisions.

Avoid any sudden lane changes or movements and give notice if you need to make a change.

Rexing Dual Channel Dash Cam Review & 10% Off

Rexing V1LG Dual Channel Car Dash Cam FHD 1080p 170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder with HD Rear Camera, Built-in GPS Logger, G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording.

In our analysis, the Rexing V1 is a capable camera, but too sparse to garner anything better than average points. The company made sure I understood that some dash cameras offer something that can be in short supply: technical support. It should be pretty good if my experiences with the Connecticut company are any indication. While this is a solid product that takes good video for not a lot of cash, the overall much better offer is the V1LG of the business.

The $100 V1 dashcam from Rexing takes a really good video of the day, decent video of the night, and is easy to set up and use. We appreciate it. It's bare-bones, though: adding GPS, which we suggest, costs an extra $30. If you have room on your budget, you might move up to Rexing's dual-channel, dual-camera V1LG with built-in GPS for $170, or go to our full dash cam list. 

The Rexing V1 is a little larger in dimension. Not big enough to mess with something if it's placed in the right position (it's cool behind the mirror), but if you're looking for small, that's not it. 

However the scale allows for a display of 2.4 inches wide buttons, and enough air to moderate heat. There's a single micro SD slot, but with the simple $100 V1 model we tested, Rexing doesn't include a card. For a 32GB card, add $20 at checkout.

This leads us to a review of the various models. The V1 has a GPS port, and an add-on module is available for $30, but the auxiliary camera port is disappointing because the V1 is single-channel only. The $130 V1P is dual-channel and actually comes with a rear camera, but for a GPS module, add $30, again. The previously stated V1LG, which has integrated GPS, a rear camera, and a 16 GB micro SD card in the box for $170, is probably the best deal of the bunch. That's quite a nice deal. 

We've discussed quite a bit about GPS. About why? The difference between winning and losing your argument, or case, maybe getting GPS info on your video. As a bonus, it's useful for putting on your road trips some fascinating sights that you might not have had time to stop and view properly.

The Rexing V1 mounts flush to the windshield and to fit the horizon, the camera part rotates vertically. When mounting the device, you might consider using a level, so you don't end up in your video with a horizontal skew. Mounting seemed to have somewhat influenced the video, more on that later. 

The V1 is adhesive-mounted, but the adhesive and the mount are different. Notice that it's much easier to remove the protective film by cooling the double-sided adhesive tape (in the fridge if necessary). When the first profanity pops into your brain, you will know if you need to do this. 

The Rexing V1 skips driver-safety features such as crash warnings or lane exit. They're not missing us. But it does have one new feature for us you can enter your license plate number for your videos to be watermarked. As anybody could enter the data, there's obviously no legal advantage, but if you use the camera for different cars, this would tell you which one you were in.

The 170-degree, 1080p video output of the V1 is a blended bag. It's sharp and highly stable, if not as color-rich as we've seen on other similarly-priced dash cams. But when ambient light conditions changed, we noted occasional, mild artifacts. The camera also captured an extremely large amount of dashboard reflection, either because of the distance between the windshield and the lens, or the very wide viewing angle.

How to Determine Traffic Signal Yellow Light Clearance Intervals

ITE Public Agency Traffic Signal Change and Clearance Interval Webinar

Recommended times for yellow light

Recommended left turn maximum length of yellow light

When Will Google Maps Sync With Traffic Lights?

According to this article, Google is experimenting with showing traffic lights in Maps

Google Maps is experimenting with a new feature that displays traffic lights directly in Maps and assumes this will be for Waze also. Traffic lights will be visible both while navigating or simply browsing around.

This doesn't mean that the red lights, yellow lights, green lights will be displayed immediately.  It will likely just be a database of traffic lights and locations.  This is what it will look like below on Google Maps.

Real-time signals would be very cool.  There is a company called Connected Signals which connects the traffic signal to the cloud and will allow mapping companies to display and optimize traffic using these signals. 

Connect Signals has a product called Transit Signal Priority (TSP), automatic Pedestrian Signaling (PedSig), and a variety of other applications without requiring the acquisition and installation of additional capital infrastructure, including roadside equipment such as special-purpose optical or radio-frequency devices or DSRC installations. The system’s key innovations are its use of existing infrastructure (including the public cellular network and the city’s Traffic Management System (TMS) and traffic network) to securely provide these capabilities, its use of mobile devices to request action from the signal network, including pedestrian walk signals, and its software-defined nature that supports extension and modification of capabilities without requiring hardware modifications or field-service modifications.

6 Tips to Prepare Your Teen Child for Driving

Raising and understanding a teenager is one of the biggest challenges for parents nowadays. When your child reaches adolescence age, he goes through a lot of changes. This is the age when he meets his first love. Moreover, this is also the period when he will establish and end relationships, loudly expressing his emotions and opinions. Furthermore, one of the biggest dreams of a child, when he becomes a teenager, is taking the driver’s license and start driving. Having his own car and driving to and from different places gives teens the independence they are looking for. However, this is a period which brings a lot of concerns to parents. It is very important that your teen learns how to drive both for his safety but also for you as his parent. So, if you don’t know how to prepare your teen child for driving, keep reading this article and learn how to do it.

1. Set clear rules

You should set-up some clear rules and boundaries with your teen child before he starts the driving lessons. As this is a very serious situation, you should create a sort of contract with your child where you display each party’s obligations and benefits. For example, you can establish whether your child is allowed to take his friends with the car or travel during the night. What is more, you should check with the local authorities whether there are specific restrictions that apply to teen drivers. In addition, you should be very open with your son or daughter and clearly explain your expectations, detailing also the consequences that might appear in case he breaks the rules.

2. Practice makes it better

Driving is not something which should be treated with superficiality and your teen child should know this very well. Even though everything goes very well during the driving lessons, he will need hours of practice to master this skill. On the other hand, you should also show your child that you trust him. You can take an active role in teaching your child the tips and tricks you use while you are on the road and don’t overreact when he makes mistakes while driving. Your child should feel relax while driving with you on his side. In addition, you should carefully choose the driving school based on their experience in working with teens and availability to offer driving lessons on various types of road and diverse driving conditions.

3. Stress the importance of safe & prepared driving

Safety should be your teen child’s first priority. Therefore, you should stress how important it is to wear seatbelts because it's the law, and its a matter of life and death.  Know where the hazardous intersections are located and try to avoid them.  Explain to your child how easily he can be distracted by electronic devices while driving. For example, you can ask him to turn his phone off so that he won’t be tempted to answer phone calls or text messages. The marketing manager of one of the most popular college writing services recommends that parents should take their children to behind-the-wheels lessons regularly and help them learn from their mistakes.

4. Driving while tired can be extremely dangerous

Fatigue is one of the major causes of car accidents. Sometimes, it is even more dangerous than a drunk driver. Whenever your teen child goes out with the car, you should carefully check if he is well-rested, isn’t upset, and doesn’t have any distractions around him which could put him in danger. Moreover, you should establish together with him a maximum hour when he is allowed to drive at night. Whenever he passes this hour, he should either come at home immediately or stop in the city where he is and get a room to rest. This will help your teen child stay disciplined and follow healthy sleeping habits which will help him react faster when they encounter unusual situations on the road.

5. Give your teen driver a reliable vehicle

Even though your teen child has the necessary skills and makes you trust his abilities, you should also put some efforts from your side. Before giving your teen child a luxurious car that will offer him the necessary comfort, you should first think of his safety. Therefore, when you choose the car for your child, you should check if it is in good condition and works perfectly. Furthermore, you should also teach your teen child how to operate the mirrors, safety systems, knobs, seat, and other car features which can keep him safe.

6. Track the progress

Teaching your teen child how to stay safe on the road is just the beginning. This doesn’t mean that once he learns how to drive, your work and responsibility is done. You should be permanently available to discuss any issues that he has on the road. For example, you can have a regular meeting weekly where you can discuss the situations he encountered while driving and give him advice on how to handle that situation the next time. Furthermore, you can travel with him as the passenger during the first drives and encourage him that he does a great job. Finally, you should set a balance between being over-protective and acting as a responsible parent. You can use several devices to track his speed on the road or check where he goes. However, you should use them only if your child feels comfortable with him and you have a prior discussion about this topic.

It is very important that your child learns to drive on warm weather and in a calm environment. He doesn’t need stress and pressure during driving lessons so that he can stay focused on the road and learn all the tips and tricks presented by the trainer. As a parent, you should put all your efforts into providing your car a safe car and advise him whenever he encounters an uncommon situation.

How To Obtain Traffic Camera Video Footage of A Street Racer

I was driving home last night with my 12-year-old son in the car and stopped at a light in El Segundo, California near the Chevron Refinery.  Here is a map of where the street racing took place in El Segundo.  

A small black car possibly a BMW came flying by us going south on PCH while we were stopped at the light at El Segundo Blvd and Pacific Coast Highway.  It came by just as the light turned green at well over 100 miles per hour.  I could smell the fumes from the engine after it went by it was going so fast.  

My son and I were freaked out by the incident and were thinking what if that car had lost control and hit us while we were stopped.  What if someone was coming through the intersection or pulled out of the Chevron gas station on the corner.  

No accident occurred and the car flew down PCH and turned into Manhattan Beach we think down the road.  However, this experience had me thinking about what cameras might be in the area that could have caught the car flying down PCH.  I checked on PhotoEnforced.com and didn't see any cameras on PCH and double verified using Google Street View.  

If the city or business did have cameras and I was able to obtain the footage and a view of the license plate could this be used to prosecute a driver driving recklessly?  I am very curious if anyone has had a similar experience and what can be done to fix this problem?  I see this has become a scary epidemic Worldwide and are police using traffic camera footage to prosecute drivers?   Can you report dangerous driving? 

I am curious why El Segundo has not put up any traffic or license plate reader cameras (ALPR) here?  I think it is something they should consider.  I am not saying they need to put up speed cameras or red light cameras.  I think they should consider having traffic cameras to monitor cars coming in and out of the area.  

Map of Where Street Racing Occurred in El Segundo & Where Cameras Should Be

Street Racing Caught on Camera in Denver

Based on the blogs I am reading.  When it comes to highway traffic cameras and red light cameras, your chances of obtaining a copy of the video without the help of an attorney are unfortunately slim. You’re most likely going to be dealing with a number of public and private entities that have specific requirements when it comes to releasing the footage. Some highway traffic cameras are owned by DOT  while others are owned by the city. 

5 tips to stay safe when driving abroad

Before getting behind the wheel, you should know some important tips to stay safe when driving abroad. Many families decide to take to the road on vacations to travel by car in some tourist destinations; unfortunately they are often negligent in safety.

In this article, we would give you 5 tips to keep your driving abroad safe as well as some interesting road safety statistics. The 5 tips in this article certainly can be applied in general in various countries. A waiver of the following may cause your trip abroad unsafe.

1. Prepare documentations for traveling abroad

You must always include the original documents of the driver's license, vehicle's technical sheet and last paid receipt of the circulation as well as insurance tax. All with effective date!

2. Prepare an international driver's license

In the case of driving abroad, you must obtain an international driver's license. And depending on the country you travel to, you may also need the Passages Card, for which we advise you to report to the corresponding embassy. In some countries you will also be required to have the International Insurance Certificate or Green Card to be covered in case of an accident.

3. Know the rules of circulation in foreign countries

Legislation, signals or fines may vary from one country to another, just as not all countries circulate on the right. In the United Kingdom, India, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa or Japan you drive on the left. There are regulations that do not differ with the one we have in our country. For example, in all countries of the European Union it is forbidden to drive while using the mobile phone or after having consumed alcohol or drugs. It is also mandatory to use seat belts, child seats for children, etc.

4. Understand traffic fines in foreign countries

Foreign drivers are vulnerable to fines. For example, foreign drivers account for 5% of European road traffic but their offenses represent 15% of the total. This is because many drivers 'skip the rules' because in many cases, if the country's authority does not stop you, the fine stays in the bin, something that is already changing by the will of the different countries to allow the cross-border exchange of information on traffic infractions. In any case, our recommendation is that you always comply with the rules, to avoid the fine but above all for your safety.

5. Prepare prescribed medications

Pack enough and even some more in case your plans change. Take copies of medical prescriptions. And if the medication is unusual, confirm that it is legal and that it is easily found in the country of destination. Ask the doctor to issue you a note with your letterhead for controlled substances and injectable medications. All medications are allowed in carry-on baggage, with the exception of liquids, but must be presented to the inspection officer separately from carry-on baggage. If you have a large number of medications, use the safety row for families with special needs. Don’t forget that car insurance for young drivers is something you might need!

Of course doing the above 5 tips does not make you completely free of the risk but at least you can minimize insecurity, discomfort and unwanted problems while driving abroad.

How to Assess Vehicle Safety: The Four Essentials

How to Assess Vehicle Safety: The Four Essentials

When it comes to choosing a vehicle, we all want one that is going to keep us safe on the roads. No matter how good of a driver you are, accidents can still happen, and in the event that it all goes wrong, you’re going to want to have faith in the car that you’re driving.

But how do you sort the wheat from the chaff? Whether you’re looking at new models or used cars, there are a few universal essentials that you should be researching before settling on a particular motor.

Here are four of the most important…

#1: Crash Test Scores

When you take your vehicle out on the road, you don’t have to leave the likelihood of it keeping you safe in the event of a crash to chance. This is something that has already been tested for you, and the results are out there for everybody to see. The higher the score of the particular make and model you’re looking at, the more likely you are to avoid serious injury or death should you one day be involved in an accident.

#2: Side Airbags

Head on collisions are the most common type of accident, but side impacts are just behind them, and out of every type of crash, they are the ones most likely to prove fatal. So how can you minimise the risks? That’s an easy one: by looking for vehicles that have side head airbags installed for every occupant, and at the very least, torso airbags for the two front passengers too. These will dramatically reduce the chances of you being seriously injured or killed in the event of a collision. 

#3: Electronic Stability Control

Next up, keep an eye out for electronic stability control. This is basically a multi-directional version of an automatic braking system, and works by lessening the chance of your vehicle skidding following any sharp turns that you need to make. Having it installed is hypothesised to cut the risk of fatality in a single vehicle crash by 50 percent, and as half of motoring deaths occur in such circumstances, it is well worth having. 

#4: Ride Height  

Last but not least, we encourage you to take a look at any vehicle’s ride height, for the greater this is, the fewer occupant fatalities there tend to be. The science behind this is simple: if your head should be higher than the vehicle that’s about to ram into your door at 50 mph, you’re significantly less likely to either suffer brain injuries or underride the other vehicle.

Stay safe today: check that these four essential safety features are present in any motor you’re considering buying, and give yourself the best possible chance of walking away from an accident intact.

Speed Radar Sign Locations

Speed Radar Sign Locations

We are now tracking speed radar signs like the picture above. Please add locations to the map database of speed radar camera signs and tag the entry as "speed radar sign".  Which states allow speed cameras?

Cameras Now Used For Crime Prevention & Surveillance

It was recently announced that Washington DC trumped Chicago in the sheer volume of photo enforcement. As reported by Photoenforced.com: "They now have by far the most speed cameras, stop sign cameras and red light cameras per capital." While this is certainly good news when it comes to keeping the roads and motorists of the city safer, there are also much wider implications. Currently, Washington along with some other major US cities, are beginning to shift focus on their approaches to crime where cameras are concerned - real-time monitoring in particular becoming a goal of Washington law enforcement. As a result, it’s likely that we’ll begin to see cameras used in a far more broader role when it comes to crime prevention and criminal enforcement, but there could be other implications.

Cameras and Crime

While we may often assume that road and traffic cameras are essentially in place to capture and deter traffic-related crimes, modern police are becoming much more reliant on cameras as a general tool for combating crime. Washington police, in particular, are increasingly focusing their efforts around captured surveillance footage. In fact, according to rt.com "Law enforcement is looking to get real-time access in order to put the entire city on constant watch." This is of course, a divisive issue. The police department is aware of how valuable resource cameras are, and this is perhaps even more relevant in Washington given the huge amount of cameras that are in place in the city. Having greater access, especially real-time monitoring, could see a huge increase in crime prevention. As stated in the Washington Post, cameras are already a fundamental tool in combating crime for local police forces: "Investigators retrieved video from the Metropolitan Police Department’s 123 closed-circuit television cameras and the District’s network of red light and Department of Transportation cameras 931 times in fiscal 2012 - an increase of 15 percent over the previous year, according to police department data.". While some opponents to an increased level of surveillance argue that real-time monitoring and additional use of cameras is a breach of civil rights, the numbers do clearly show that police are finding cameras increasingly crucial in investigations.

Prevention and Statistics

One of the problems facing both sides of this debate, however, is the actual data on camera effectiveness. While Washington Police, for example, may have increased their use of cameras, what evidence is there that they are an effective tool? As explained by Syracuse.com: "The biggest problem may be the systems are too new: experts say the lasting impact of cameras may not be known until several years worth of data can be analyzed. Generally, the studies that have been conducted have found that premeditated crimes do tend to decline, but crimes of passion are not affected as much."  Cameras may certainly help police after the event but are unlikely to be an effective deterrent for a desperate addict. This is one potential problem, but on the other hand, being able to monitor in real-time could allow police to take the action they need. That said, drug enforcement, in particular, is itself seeing a shift in focus, as stated by the Washington Post: "Four decades after the federal government declared war on narcotics, the prevailing tough-on-drugs mentality is giving way to a more nuanced view, one that empathizes treatment and health nearly as much as courtrooms and law enforcement, according to addiction specialists and other experts."

Effectiveness

One of the major questions that remain is just how effective will the increased use of cameras be? While in Washington there has been a huge surge in the number of cameras, there are certainly ways for motorists to be aware of where cameras are and whether they are working already. Conversely, there are also devices that streamline the camera and toll process available at many retailers. Ultimately, the evidence does suggest that cameras, whether traffic-related or otherwise, are having a profound effect on crime and criminal enforcement. How Washington proceeds could be an indicator of things to come for the rest of the US.

Longer Yellow Lights vs Red Light Cameras

Red-light cameras in Arnold, Missouri just took a hit that will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a year at one light alone. Fox 2 first reported Wednesday about a new MoDOT program to re-time of its Missouri lights.

MoDO is re-timing traffic lights everywhere, to give drivers more time to stop. The results so far, are incredible at the intersection of 141 and Astra Way. We compared a month of red-light running before the new signal timing to a month after the change in the yellow light.

Last May, the City of Arnold cited 709 people for running a red light on camera at the 141 light. This May? Arnold cited only 17 drivers at the same light.

Now, consider the money side of this. Last May's citations add up to $67,000 in one month. This past May, citations, if paid, would only bring in $1,600.

That's a potential loss of more than 3/4 of a million dollars every year.

That loss is split between three parties who divide the money from each $95 violation ticket. More than half of that pie (57%) would go to the city, 10% percent to the State of Missouri and 1/3rd (33%) to the private red light camera contractor American Traffic Solutions (ATS).

Arnold Mayor Ron Counts said their share of the money goes into the general fund, which pays for things like streets. But he says this newly discovered potential loss -- is a price worth paying.

Mayor Counts said, "The truth is, it's not about money, it can't be. We've got to deal with the safety issue and to me when you can drop this down to 20 people running stoplights, I think that's what we really need to be looking at. We'll adjust the budget. We have to." He added, "It's going to affect your budget no matter how you look at it

He said Arnold's been discussing putting red-light revenue strictly into safety measures anyway. He can't think of anything better than stopping red-light runners.

Counts said, "What's a person's life worth? I don't think you can consider that."

The private red light camera contractor, ATS, said in an e-mail statement, "We're pleased the number of violations in Arnold continues to fall. An effective road safety program must always integrate engineering, education and enforcement." However, ATS also warns ".. studies have shown that if the amber light is too long, drivers will disregard it and consider it part of the green light cycle."

MoDOT adds -- the drastic drop in red-light runners may not last. Engineers warn that drivers could start pushing the new timing cycles. They also say that longer yellows slow down traffic.

10 Reasons to Keep Red Light Cameras

Los Angeles - LOS ANGELES - As the Los Angeles City Council prepares to vote this week on the future of the city's critical traffic safety camera program, the Traffic Safety Coalition is outlining 10 reasons why the program should stay:

1. ZERO Crash Fatalities: Following safety camera installation, the Los Angeles Police Department crash reports, between 2002 and 2009 since the Photo Red Light Camera program began, NO fatal crashes have occurred at any of the camera enforced intersection approaches.
2. Safety cameras have worked to make Los Angeles streets safer. There has been a 62 percent decrease in red light related traffic collisions at the 32 intersections where the cameras are installed, with no significant increase in rear end collisions.
3. Safety cameras change driving behavior city wide. In Los Angeles there was a 22% reduction in crashes citywide after deployment.
4. Deadly consequences of dangerous driving in California. 3,000 people are killed in the California roadways every year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
5. Red light running kills. 66 percent of all people killed at intersection crashes are victims of red light runners. The victims are innocent drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2011).
6. Red light running increased in Houston when cameras went dark. After intersection safety cameras were turned off in Houston, police cited injury crashes were up 350 percent after deactivation and one Houston intersection saw a 1,300% increase in crashes following camera deactivation. (“Exclusive: Accidents way up with red light cameras off.” KTRK ABC 13 Houston, 8-June-2011)
7. Speeding and red light running increased in Albuquerque when cameras were removed. Red light running and speeding increased by 584 percent after intersection safety cameras were turned off at three Albuquerque intersections just five months ago (“Scary stats with red light cameras off,” KRQE News 7, 5/27/11).
8. Speeding increased in Scottsdale when cameras were turned off. When speed safety cameras were turned off on Scottsdale's State Loop 101, the number of drivers speeding increased 1,024 percent (Washington et al., "Evaluation of the City of Scottsdale Loop 101 Photo Enforcement Demonstration Program, Arizona State University." Nov 2007).
9. Safety cameras reduce fatal crashes nationwide. A 2011 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded traffic safety cameras at the 14 largest U.S. cities using them reduced fatal red light running crashes by 24 percent (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2011).
10. Simply put, safety cameras reduce red light running and speeding, change driver behavior and save lives.

"It's a sad reality that when drivers are not held accountable for their actions, speeding and red light running increases dramatically as they ignore our traffic safety laws, putting everyone in danger," said Traffic Safety Coalition co-chairs Paul and Sue Oberhauser. “Cities should be taking advantage of red light cameras and every other technology available to ensure these laws are followed and enforced.”

About the Traffic Safety Coalition:
The Traffic Safety Coalition is a not-for-profit, grassroots organization comprised of concerned citizens, traffic safety experts, law enforcement, public officials, victim's advocates, health care professionals, and industry leaders who are committed to working together to make our roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. We work with our partners throughout the country to promote technology and education that save lives and keep our roads safe. For more information, visit www.trafficsafetycoalition.com.