trogdor! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Speedy Gonzalez Wrote:
>
> > I remember
> > when the camera
> > next to my house drastically improved safety in
> > the intersection.
>
> I wonder if you really know that though. It's
> clear that local governments have 'cooked the
> books' to make the cameras appear to be increasing
> safety. Such as:
>
> Houston Manipulated Study to Make Red Light
> Cameras Appear Safer
>
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/26/2675.asp
>
> and this one, from Fairfax County: Virginia: How
> Shortened Yellow Yielded Greater Profit
>
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/26/2650.asp
>
> Both show that it's easy to falsify the safety
> numbers and that there is clearly a financial
> incentive to do so.
>
> > Just out of curiosity, if you fail to pay the
> fine
> > or contest it
> > it court, will it come back to haunt you should
> > you be involved in
> > any other traffic violations that send you to
> > court?
>
> I imagine if you contest the ticket, you will
> automatically lose. If you fail to pay it, you
> may or may not be issued a personal summons.
> Obviously you won't want to ignore the court's
> summons, but it's important to note that mail gets
> lost all the time. That's the reason why the
> court can't penalize you for not responding
> (because they can't be certain you were notified).
> If they do pull you in many months/years later for
> an old ticket, I would think you could make a
> valid claim that your rights to due process had
> been violated.
>
> As far as your driving record goes, I'm not sure
> if the red light cameras result in points on your
> license.
>
> And for the record, I think that habitual red
> light runners should be thrown in jail for a year
> or so and have their licenses permanently revoked.
Lets just say that I felt much safer after the cameras were installed.
I cross the intersection of Eaton Place and Chain Bridge at least three
times per day on foot. Prior to the camera, I had to sprint across
when the light changed due to drivers who floor it when the light
changed and also watch for drivers turning onto Chain Bridge who simply
ignored the light entirely. I guess its just my own gut feeling, but drivers actually started paying attention to the light. This is a very busy
intersection during the rush and Im accustomed to hearing the
"Screeeech..BAMMM!!!" at least once per day
I once asked a Fairfax City cop what he thought of the camera and he
informed me that it wasnt really that effective because 90% of the
folks who contested a ticket actually won. (I dont know how accurate
his statement was) Perhaps I'm being selfish, but for my own safety
and especially for the young children in the neighborhood (who are mostly
unsupervised) I'd like to see the camera turned back on.