Red Light Cameras
Even if you are in a hurry to catch a flight, do not even think of disobeying traffic rules to catch the flight. This can embroil you into much difficulty, because the red light cameras are constantly watching you. Red light cameras are installed at traffic signals to take images of vehicles that break traffic rules. Vehicles that illegally pass through the intersection, when the signal is red, are captured by these cameras.
Red light cameras act automatically, and help to enforce traffic rules by continuously monitoring traffic signals. The camera gets triggered when the vehicle just reaches the intersection above present minimum speed and the time after which the signal has turned red. Thus, if any vehicle tries to violate traffic rules, fines are imposed as per the rules of the United States Government. Red light cameras capture series of photographs and also video images, that records the vehicles progression right from entering the traffic signal and moving ahead when the red signal turns green. Cameras also record the date, time, license plate number and vehicle speed. The time elapsed since beginning of the red signal till changing to green is recorded by red light cameras. Based on photographic review evidence, tickets are mailed to the owners of vehicles, violating traffic rules.
According to a report, it showed that such cameras are used in more than 400 communities in the United States. Major cities in the US, like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Washington DC, San Diego, Philadelphia, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Baton Rouge, etc., use red light cameras as an effective traffic enforcement camera.
Red Light Cameras Locations
These cameras are positioned high on poles, just at the corners of intersection. The cameras are inwardly pointed, so that they can photograph the vehicles driving through the intersection point. All the four corners of intersection have red light camera system, so that pictures of vehicles going in different directions, can be captured. They take pictures from different angles of vehicles. Digital cameras are mostly employed at intersection points to get perfect pictures.
Are Red Light Cameras Unconstitutional?
There have been many controversies regarding use of red light cameras. Some public official support, while rest oppose. There have been many cases where fraud tickets and photographs are issued to vehicle owners having no authentication certificate. People sometimes raise their voice, regarding constitutional and legal issues related to red light cameras. They say that these cameras violate privacy of citizens.
However, these cameras provide substantial safety benefits. This system helps reduce red light runners and prevent accidents. It has reduced the frequency of intersection crashes. People voice their opinion, saying red light cameras are successful in saving human lives and preventing road accidents. Responses of citizens, legal officers and the US constitution, are of mixed type. Few legal authorities say that fines imposed for violation are unconstitutional as officers have to witness the violation as well.
Although there are some controversies regarding enforcement of rules for red light cameras, they play an important role in establishing traffic rules. It's the duty of every citizens to abide traffic rules to minimize road mishaps.
