Red Light Cameras; Causing More Harm Than Good?

STATEWIDE, Wis. - Oct. 25, 2017 - PRLog -- There are many times that new laws can make this world a better place. Creating a safer environment, giving a voice where one was not heard, protecting the rights of the citizens and on and on. But what happens when legislation is created and causes more harm than good?

Some communities in Wisconsin are being faced with major budget shortfalls which prevent them from providing the basic services that the residents of those communities expect, including proper traffic enforcement. One solution that is being considered as a as a means to reduce dangerous intersections is by installing red light cameras. Advocates have shared their thoughts on the safety value of red light cameras by reducing accidents and as a result lowering fatalities. However, studies have shown that those thoughts are not always the case and have proven otherwise. What is proven is  revenue generation for the community, with a large portion of the funds going to an outside company that maintains and issues the tickets.  Also discovered was the use of these cameras can increase crashes at intersections.

But at what cost to the drivers who drive through them?

In the State of Wisconsin, red light cameras are not permitted as a means for enforcement, though some Legislators are considering a bill to change that. The thought of having a ticket mailed to a vehicle owner, not to the operator of the vehicle, should concern everyone. Tickets are mailed to a vehicle owner without their knowledge that a violation has even occurred. The vehicle owner does not get an opportunity to dispute the incident when it happens and is in a position to either pay the ticket, or incriminate someone else…. even if they are unsure of who was operating the vehicle at the time.

In the State if Wisconsin it is legal for a motorcycle to proceed through a red light after 45 seconds of the intersection not recognizing them. Is every motorcyclist who proceeds through an intersection legally going to have to take time out of their schedule to defend themselves in court event though the law is already in their favor?

If this proposal is about making intersections safer, there are other proven ways. Studies have shown that many intersections that have unusually high crash rates were poorly engineered. Other studies have shown that increasing the time that a yellow light is on creates a safer intersection.

If safety is truly the goal, intersection designs and law enforcement procedures should be reviewed.

ABATE of Wisconsin is asking State Legislators and community leaders to stop looking ineffective methods of enforcement.