Cameras protect our ‘right’ to safe travel

By Jerry A. Vander Sanden

I  hope local efforts to promote traffic safety do not take a back
seat to politics as the Iowa Legislature debates a proposal to ban the
use of automated traffic enforcement devices.

The empirical evidence clearly shows traffic cameras have dramatically
reduced the number of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. They
have encouraged drivers to be more conscientious about obeying the
traffic laws. Anyone who regularly drives the S-curve on I-380 through
the heart of Cedar Rapids will tell you they have noticed a dramatic
difference in driving behavior since they were installed.

I have yet to hear a compelling argument against the traffic cameras.
The "big brother" or infringement on privacy rights argument seems
spurious given that streets and highways are public places. Has anyone
given up shopping now that retail and convenience stores have
installed surveillance cameras? What is so invasive about taking a
picture of a vehicle's rear bumper?

I also don't buy the "right to confront your accuser" argument.
Whether a traffic camera or an officer with radar is involved, it is
the mechanical device that is recording the speed of a vehicle. The
offender is provided with visual proof of the infraction and there is
an appeal process.

Local government should be given some latitude in finding the fairest
and most efficient means to enforce traffic laws. Traffic cameras help
local law enforcement agencies concentrate their efforts on what some
euphemistically refer to as "real crime." I prefer that police
concentrate on investigating crimes of violence. Why deny police the
technology that helps them make the best use of their limited
resources?

Traffic cameras should not be used to raise revenue for local
government and the fine should be proportionate to the offense.
However, the traffic camera $75 speeding citation is a relative
bargain compared to the regular state traffic ticket. The total cost
for a state-issued citation for speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit
is $168 ($80 fine, $28 surcharge and $60 court costs). A stop sign or
signal citation would total $195, and both would go on your driving
record. Which is more onerous?

Some who gripe about the traffic cameras are really complaining
because they can no longer exercise what they consider to be their
"right" to disregard traffic laws with impunity. What is truly at
stake is the motoring public's "right" to expect that others drive
safely and obey the law.

For more information on these matters, please call our office at 305
548 5020, option 1.

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