Do Red Light Cameras Actually Keep Us Safe?
- May 1, 2018
This topic had been very controversial over the years.
Some say yes while others are suspicious if it is more about making money than safety.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration would argue that red light cameras improve road safety and reduce crash costs.
Chris Jeud, a reader of the Gazette, wrote a letter addressing traffic light cameras. In his experience in Australia
where they use cameras to enforce traffic laws, he believes traffic camera can be helpful tools to stop people from their bad driving habits.
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
What Do Some of The Research Say?
A study in St. Petersburg Florida determined that red light camera helps decrease side collision, but it also increased rear-end collisions.
One of AAA’s New York Spokesperson Robert Sinclair key points to this topic initially was that side collision would decrease with red light cameras. He stated that some intersections need cameras because the risks are too high. He mentions that t-bone accidents, being hit by on the side, are the weakest point in the car and can lead to too many bad things.
In later reports, Sinclair addresses the issue of amber light time. Amber light is the yellow light that is there to caution drivers when the light is changing from green to red.
In Georgia, a driver is allowed to enter the intersection while the light is yellow just not after the light has already turned red.
The National Motorists Association has been challenging the idea that red light cameras are for safety.
The NMA claims that safety can be improved with better engineering where yellow lights last longer. Red light cameras are a violation of due process and are not improving road conditions according to NMA. Eric Skrum from the NMA’s states the “Red-light cameras just reward cities for bad engineering.”
According to a study, the American Traffic Solutions statistics are showing red light cameras are more efficient than long amber time in the state of Georgia.
What is Georgia’s Law on Red-light Cameras?
In the state of Georgia red-light cameras are permitted, but speeding cameras are not allowed.
The red-light cameras take a picture of the light and intersections along with the license tag of the person violating the law.
A copy of this image should be mailed to the person with the ticket.
You should receive your ticket within 10 days from the day of the incident. If it is not paid a second notice will be sent certified mail before law enforcement officials can turn the unpaid ticket over to collections. Following this part of the law has been an issue in the past and leaves residents wondering if it is financially worth it.
The penalties for red-light camera tickets $70 which is less than a ticket given by an actual police officer. Tickets are mailed to the person the car is registered in, and they are responsible for taking care of the ticket promptly.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
What should you do if you have been involved in a red-light collision?
Since red light cameras have reduced side T-bone collisions but increased rear-end collisions it is still likely an accident can happen at a red light even with cameras. Accidents are typically caused by human error. People get distracted and are in a hurry all the time causing the roads to be a dangerous place.
If you are involved in a car accident you need to follow these steps:
- Call 911: Get a police report as official documentation of who caused the crash.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident, your injuries and weather conditions. Get witness information as well.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Don’t leave gaps in your medical care. Even if you don’t feel bad at first, pain may set in by the next day, so be safe and get checked out right away.
- Call an Attorney: If you need help protecting your rights to get a fair settlement contact an attorney at The Brown Firm.
Related Post: Passengers Rights In A Car Accident No Matter Who Is At Fault
For your free consolation call today or click the button below!
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
Macon, GA – Two Teens in Critical Condition After Deputy Chase in Stolen Vehicle
A stolen vehicle chase with deputies left two teens in critical condition after they lost control of the vehicle.
Dunwoody, GA – A Bus On Fire On I-285 Causes Ramp Closure
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Cartersville, GA – Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Train
A pedestrian in Cartersville, GA, was hit and killed by a train while crossing the tracks. The pedestrian's identity is unknown.
Macon, GA – Gray Highway Will Get New Pedestrian Crosswalks In Efforts To Decrease Pedestrian Fatalities
Concrete medianettes will be built on Gray Highway and Shurling Drive in Georgia to improve pedestrian safety. These medianettes will provide a safe space for pedestrians to cross busy roads,...
Atlanta, GA – Hit-And-Run Crash Leaves Two Critically Injured
(August 27, 2023) Two victims in a hit-and-run accident on Northside Parkway are in severe condition and were taken to the hospital. The details of the collision are still under...
Douglas County, GA – Westbound I-20 Closed Due To A Fatal Crash
(August 24, 2023) There was a fatal tractor-trailer truck accident on I-20 in Douglas County. The accident resulted in the closure of all westbound lanes. Emergency personnel were working to...
Sandy Springs, GA – Pickup Truck Crash Blocks Access Ramp To Roswell Road
The driver of a pickup truck wrecked Monday afternoon, prompting Sandy Springs Police to close the eastbound Roswell Road ramp. No fatalities were reported.
Augusta, GA – Eastbound I-20 Congestion Caused By Truck On Fire
There was a semi-truck fire on I-20 near Warren Road, causing traffic congestion. The Augusta Fire Department was present and suggested alternative routes for drivers.
Atlanta, GA – Multi-Car Accident In Atlanta Intersection Results In Gunfire
Following a car crash in Atlanta, several men opened fire at vehicles in the intersection. The crash involved three vehicles, with a Chevrolet Camaro being at fault. The men from...
Cobb County, GA – Man Killed in Pedestrian Collision
A 76-year-old Marietta man was killed Sunday night after a car hit him as he crossed Austell Road in central Cobb County.
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.