[Mpls] Red Light Cameras CAUSE Injuries

[Michael Atherton]

Dan McGrath wrote:

>  Whoah. Slow it down, there fellow citizens. A study in VA 
>  (by people who favor red-light cameras) found that the use 
>  of them increases injuries. I strongly encourage everyone to 
>  look at this before jumping on the automated law-enforcement 
>  bandwagon. 
>  http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/news.asp?ID=117

I posted a link to a NYT's article on this subject a while
back.  Yes, rear-end collisions increase, but side impact
collisions decrease.  Rear-end collisions normally occur
at much slower speeds than side impact collisions and the
injuries are less severe.  I think that rear-end collisions
can also be reduced by a public awareness campaign prior
to installing cameras.  Personally, I think that cameras
should also be placed randomly at even low collision
intersections.  Placing them only at downtown intersections
will only impact behavior downtown, not around town.  This
is also a reason why this shouldn't be done with a corporate
partner via profit sharing.

Scott McGerik wrote:

> I agree with Mark Synder that red light cameras might be an effective 
> tool for law enforcement. What I find missing in much of the red light 
> camera discussion, however, is the subject of personal responsibility. 
> At some point, I realized that complaining about how bad other drivers 
> are would not prevent an accident. I can't protect myself from ever 
> getting in an accident but I certainly can prevent some by being a 
> cautious driver.

Mr. McGerik is right, a discussion of personal responsibility is
lacking.  Drivers should acknowledge their responsibility to
protect the health and lives of other people on the road.  I can
admit that this is two sides of the same coin, but the problem
is that sides are not equal.  I've protect my house from being
burglarized by various means, but I also expect law enforcement and
the courts to do as much as they can as well.  If there were some
low cost (legal) alternative that they could take to reduce the 
burglary rate then I expect them do it.  Sure, I can look both ways
on Green lights. I can ask for side airbags as an option when I buy 
a car.  I can check the crash ratings and choose accordingly, but 
I still don't want some jackass coming through the passenger door 
at 45mph and crushing my four year old.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park