Are Red Light Cameras Unconstitutional?
In several Florida cities, Red Light Cameras are taking photographs and videos of careless drivers running red lights. While some people consider this to be unconstitutional, Red light cameras may reduce accidents.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 900 people are killed each year by cars running red lights in the United States. In a growing number of South Florida cities, red light cameras are capturing reckless drivers who run stop lights. While some people might consider this to be unconstitutional, it is a matter of safety. For those of us who are defensive drivers, a red light camera shouldn’t be an issue.
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“I think we should test it,” said Bal Harbour Police Chief Tom Hunker,” and if it doesn’t work, then we will change it.
In some cases, the new cameras are cutting down on crashes by 70% according to city officials. However, for some attorneys, this is solely a revenue generator.
According to statistics, at least 250 cities across the state use these devices. Not only do the red light cameras take high resolution pictures, but they allow the owner to receive a citation for driving recklessly.
Red Light Cameras might seem controversial for some people because a police officer is not witnessing a violation, however, there are a lot of people running red lights in the streets everyday and killing innocent victims and they need to be punished for driving recklessly. For instance, how many times have you seen someone running a red light when they could have stopped? Perhaps, they could have stopped had they not been driving over the speed limit.
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User Comments
Unofre Pili
On November 28, 2009 at 4:18 am
Presumed I am a resident of Florida, this is a good point to be raised and you did it well, friend.
ken bultman
On November 28, 2009 at 6:24 am
They will pass the test of law. In Lakeland (Fla) you’ll not only be ticketed for running the red light but for stopping with the front tires on the solid white line as well and for not coming to a full stop when turning right on red. Good program. The purpose for the full stop is that oncoming may have a left turn green arrow.
Christine Ramsay
On November 28, 2009 at 7:04 am
If these cameras are saving lives then they should be used in my opinion. Good work.
Christine
AlmaG
On November 28, 2009 at 7:51 am
I agree with Christine. That should be its real purpose in the first place. Great post
eudefotah
On November 28, 2009 at 8:15 am
great one
http://www.broadonline.webs.com
jimbob1
On November 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Very controversial subject. Some consider them nothing more than a cash cow for jurisdictions using them, while others say they are important in controlling speeders. We have them here in Winnipeg…motorists slow down when passing through the red light camera intersection and then put the hammer down once they are through. A person just about took off the front end of my car this fall when he sped through a red light camera intersection. I drove through the same intersection the other day alongside a cavacade of five private coaches bearing Tennessee licence plates. I was busy “star gazing” as we all rolled through the intersection…think the coaches were carrying members of KISS who were here in concert the next day…but no pictures of my car in the mail…yet! But that is more than two weeks ago now.
cutedrishti8
On November 28, 2009 at 1:12 pm
People should follow..
Sourav
On November 28, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Interesting article.
Peter Cimino
On November 28, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I’m really not sure on what legal basis anyone can claim it’s unconstitutional. The bottom line is….it is illegal to go through a red light. What’s the difference if a camera or cop catches you. We have these where I live. They don’t bother me. Good article.
sweet sunshine143
On November 28, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Hi Peter,
I totally agree with you. It is illegal to run a red light and yet so many people break the law every day putting other lives at risk. I am totally for it and these devices don’t bother me at all. Those people who tend to run red lights are usually those who drive over the speed limit and can’t stop, but they need to slow down. I have seen horrible accidents on left turn intersections because other careless drivers have run a red light.
sweet sunshine143
On November 28, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Jimbob1,
Interesting story. Hopefully, you won’t get that citation in the mail after all. If not go to court and fight it. lol.
Authoress Terry E. Lyle
On November 28, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I AGREE WITH JIMBOB1, GREAT ARTICLE AS USUAL. EXCELLANT FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Themax
On November 28, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I agree with this line “For those of us who are defensive drivers, a red light camera shouldn’t be an issue” really if you are alert while traveling in road than this is not a issue! Thanks for your share
Authoress Terry E. Lyle
On November 28, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I AGREE IT’S A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC.
Teves
On November 28, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Nice one… http://www.articlespost.page.tl
Frances Lawrence
On November 28, 2009 at 5:55 pm
How can making the roads safer be unconstitutional?
diamondpoet
On November 28, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Red means stop, and if this can save a life one day, it can’t be wrong.
CA Johnson
On November 28, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I heard about the red light camera today so it’s weird that you wrote about it. I enjoyed reading this.
athena goodlight
On December 1, 2009 at 7:01 am
If it lessens accidents, then it is a good move for the city. People will be more conscious and drive more carefully. Good article.
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