MyFox
 

PhxDragon's Blog

by PhxDragon from Glendale

Last Post 32 days, 13 hours Ago


Cameras vs. Accidents
Aug 12, 2008 | 12:34 PM
Category: Traffic
Report This Post

I see a growing belief in the myth that camera monitoring on the valley freeways reduces accidents.  This is just that....a MYTH.

The cameras on our freeway system are in place to assist in the reduction of high speed drivers and other dangerous activities.  This will reduce those activities.

If you want cameras to reduce accidents, you would have to place a camera in EVERY vehicle on the freeway!  This way, with the addition of a "kill switch" when authorities detect dangerous driving (i.e. speeding, weaving through traffic, tailgating, etc.) they could push a button, the vehicle(s) involved could then be disabled for a determinate period of time, an officer dispatched or citation be issued to the address on the registration.  Don't hold your breath for this to happen.  It is just a bit of sarcasm.

Watching the traffic around you on our freeways just to avoid a collision is daunting enough.  Seeing a vehicle weaving in a lane, then seeing the driver making a phone call from a cell phone or texting a message on that phone is just as dangerous as some speeding idiot driving 85 on I-10 through the Deck Park Tunnel!

Let the cameras do the job they were designed for and don't place unattainable goals on those pieces of equipment.  Checking the mirrors for vehicles and other turn signals (that switch on the left side of the steering column) before you change lanes (one lane at a time, please) can help tremendously in reducing accidents, both minor and fatal.

 

13 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 13
Page 1 of 1
realtrafficman
Aug 13, 2008 | 11:03 AM

Huh??? Statistics show that not only are there fewer accidents, the accidents that do occur are far less severe, due to lower speeds. I don't call that a myth. As for other driving infractions, cameras were never intended to enforce them. Some things can only be attributed to stupidity. That is why we still have police officers patrolling roadways.
azslammer1
Aug 13, 2008 | 7:27 PM

I don't know if the traffic light set yp is the same as when I lived out there-Scottsdale having the lagging left turn signal all the other valley towns have the left before the main green. if it is that is one reason you have many accidents at intersections! wouldn't it be easier to change the traffic signal to the same way as in the other valley cities?
raybeez
Aug 14, 2008 | 11:17 AM

realtrafficman...
If photo radar works, why is there, on the average, 2 huge smash-ups on the 101 on a weekly basis? That's where the photo radar cameras are!
It has been proven that inattentive drivers cause the majority of accidents...not speeding.
Yes, you're right. Cameras were never intended to enforce driving laws or protect all of us from speeders. Redflex has the cameras everywhere TO MAKE MONEY.
realtrafficman
Aug 14, 2008 | 8:52 PM

raybeez:
2 accidents per week is a far cry from 30 to 40 accidents per week that was happening before photo radar. I didn't say that photo radar eliminated accidents, it reduces the number of accidents and reduces the severity of the accidents because of slower speeds. I don't know what magazine you are reading to get your statistics from, but speeding is the number one cause of major accidents on freeways. Inattentiveness does contribute to the number of accidents but, it is not the number one cause. Also, you twisted what I said about photo radar not meant to enforce other traffic laws to some ridiculous reference to making money. You sound like a bitter speeder who got caught.
azslammer:
I agree with you about Scottsdale's lagging left turns. They are out-of-step with entire world (except Tucson) and it's all in the name of exclusivity for the snobs of Scottsdale who think they should be different than anyone else in the world. I have fought them for years on this matter but, apparently I don't have enough horsepower to fight city hall. Not only are their accident rates higher than elswhere, their overall travel delay is much higher than elsewhere. Maybe that's why they call it "STOPSDALE"
AzOldtimer read my blog view my photos
Aug 21, 2008 | 9:32 AM

PHDragon must be one of those caught doing over a 100 by one of those cameras

AzOldtimer
PhxDragon read my blog view my photos
Aug 21, 2008 | 12:40 PM

If I had been one, OldTimer, I wouldn't have an occupation as State Employee.

I just state the obvious to the oblivious.
raybeez
Aug 28, 2008 | 1:42 PM

Sorry trafficman, but again you ASSUME too much.

I have NEVER been ticketed by photo radar. Yes, I've gotten speeding tickets - last one was about 6 years ago by (believe it or not) an actual cop working the highway!

And as a victim of a traffic accident while sitting at a RED light, I can tell you that speeding had nothing to do with the accident...an inattentive driver was the problem.

And you must have missed hearing the words coming out of the GOVERNOR of this state...stating that Arizona needs money - she stated that maybe we should put up some more photo radar cameras!
And you're telling me the cameras are NOT there to make money?!? Wake up!
raybeez
Sep 1, 2008 | 1:07 PM

I'd like to add another little tid-bit.

Go to www.toetaginfo.net

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Admin. -

OVER 75 PERCENT OF CRASHES INVOLVE DISTRACTIONS!

Jeeez...so the majority of crashes are NOT from speeding???
Caleb_Group_Admin read my blog
Sep 1, 2008 | 5:17 PM

We were recently doing some research and working on a few projects involving rights for same-sex marriage and couples. It is against our Arizona Constitution, is unjust, un-constitutional, against the fourteenth amendment in the US constitution, and against the Declaration of Independence. For example our fourteenth amendment in the US Constitution guarantees equal protection of law to all, regards of religion, sex, national origin, or race! We, as a country, should follow these laws, and amendments. They were created for the good of our people. What good will they do, if we don't support them, and enforce them? We are all people, and when will equal mean equal? Straight marriage wasn't voted upon, why should the gay marriage be? Is that what equal means?

Your concerns, questions, opinions, ideas are all welcome! Also if you'd like to get involved:
Our Group Admin Email: groupadmin2c@gmail.com
PhxDragon read my blog view my photos
Sep 2, 2008 | 7:01 AM

Gee, are we having that big a problem with same-sex couples trying to get married and using the freeway cameras as wedding photographers? Equal protection means they will get tickets if they are speeding on the freeways and are caught on camera.
Brit-ish4
Sep 9, 2008 | 2:39 PM

If the cameras on the 101 were meant to slow people down they would post signs before you get to them, just like the red light traffic cams. People won't slow down if they don't realize the cameras are there. And yes there are people who don't know about then, i.e. new residents of the valley. Just a thought...
raybeez
Sep 12, 2008 | 9:44 AM

And in a slightly related subject...

Anyone see the photo radar van guy down in Scottsdale who was driving drunk IN THE PHOTO RADAR VAN!?!?!

Just shows you the quality of the individuals taking your pictures from inside the van.

Well, at least he wasn't standing outside the van taking a piss...like the photo radar guy up here in the high country...
nosnow_here read my blog
Oct 22, 2008 | 8:52 PM

Let's worry more about texting and cell phone usage in cars while it is moving rather than cameras. Inattentive drivers are worse than speeders (10-15 mph over posted). Drive on the 101 and see the brakelights come on as you near a camera. They slow down to 60 (posted 65!). This will cause a very bad accident more times than not.
Page 1 of 1


Write your comment below:




PhxDragon

I am a state employee, and regard your safety as the highest goal to achieve each and every day. I have been a news reporter for print, audio and television media. I despise any media outlet reporting partial or erroneous material(s). Hockey is my passion (not as a participant), and my sons are playing and learning. Go 'Yotes!

Member Since: 5/21/2007


 

View All Photos


RSS: XMLWhat is RSS?