If you live in a city like Raleigh, NC, then you probably hate the traffic lights. A lot of the traffic lights throughout the city have red light cameras, which is part of the city’s effort to catch people who violate the law. It seems like a good idea, and in fact, a lot of other cities have also adopted this method of law enforcement as well. However, there are some negatives to this ‘red light’ camera ordeal.

Breaking the Law

Despite the fact that red light cameras are supposed to reduce the number of people who are speeding and running red lights, it has instead caused more confusion and car accidents. Before the invention of red light cameras, when the light turned from green to yellow, many people would (and still do) accelerate to get through the light versus slow down and come to a complete stop. There have also been reports that for the intersections where there are red light cameras, the timing for the yellow lights is actually significantly shorter. This means that you have to make a quick decision to either run the light and possibly get your picture taken OR you can slam on your brakes. If you run the light, the camera snaps a picture of your vehicle and license plate. Some period of time later (perhaps a week or so), you will receive a picture of your vehicle breaking the law along with a fine to pay.

So, what are most people doing? They’re getting into accidents. According to a recent article published by the National Motorists Association,

Short yellow light times at intersections have been shown to increase the number of traffic violations and accidents. Conversely, increasing the yellow light duration can dramatically reduce red-light violations at an intersection.

What do you think about red light cameras? Do you think they work? Send us your comments and stories!

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