Following up on Tuesday's post about police checkpoints and license plate cameras, here's a new story on speed cameras in the Washington Examiner. D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier has publicly denounced the use of technology, such as certain iPhone applications, that alert drivers to the location of speed traps, red light cameras, and DUI checkpoints, referring to such use as a "cowardly tactic."
This stance puts Chief Lanier at odds with 9o% of the country's police departments. She has previously stated that these cameras reduce traffic deaths. This is an interesting statement, as drivers only learn of their infraction after receiving their ticket in the mail. However, with devices that alert drivers to the location of cameras, drivers can reduce their speed prior to approaching locations the police department identified as needing additional coverage.
Therefore, by denouncing the "cowardly" use of such technology, D.C. police chief Cathy Lanier has indirectly admitted that she cares more about the revenue earned from traffic cameras than the lives they supposedly save.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
There's a problem with your argument.
If drivers know the locations of the cameras, they can also choose *not* to reduce their speed at intersections *without* cameras. When you don't know where the cameras are, you have to assume they could be at every intersection.
Yes, Anonymous, drive in fear! I think it's a good point (especially as an Arlington resident who drives to DC a lot).