I Can Admit When I’m … Wrong?

Here in Florida, we are having a bit of a debate whether Red Light Cameras (RLC) are effective or not.  I have heard everything from privacy issues (there are none, BTW, since once you walk out of your house you have no privacy, by US law/standards) to it’s just another money grab by our government (and so is speeding/running stop signs/tail-gating/etc.).  Actually, $158 violations, via RLCs, start going into effect (in Florida) July 1st, 2010.

My opinion has always been that since I’ve observed an unusual amount of drivers blatantly running red lights that these RLCs must be a good idea.  If you’re in that much of a hurry that you'll run a red and potentially change someone else's life, forever than you deserve to suffer for the rest of your life … or at least pay $158 bucks.

Driving has and will always be a privilege (NOT A RIGHT) that can be taken away if you can't handle the reasonability of such privileges.  And I’m not just some old man screaming from my front porch.  I love all things that go fast.  Motorcycles, cars … pretty much anything with a motor is cool with me … in the appropriate settings (i.e., race tracks, drag strips, organized events, etc.)

But I digress, let me get to the part where I am wrong (sort of).  I’ve decided to actually read some of these studies that people are citing and try to draw an informed conclusion. 

One interesting fact and the main reason for not using RLCs, in Florida, is that “The injury rate from red-light running crashes has dropped by a third in less than a decade, indicating red-light running crashes have been continually declining in Florida without the use of cameras” (USF Health study 2008)

Also, the U.S. Dept. of Transportation issued an extensive evaluation (Safety Evaluation of Red-Light - April 2005) regarding red light running.  Their conclusions are that severity of red light running accidents increase … sometimes … due to people actually speeding up MORE to avoid being in the intersection when the camera engages and rear end accidents increase (more about how I feel about this, later).  This coincides with the views of groups against the use of RLCs.

Of course, insurance companies love to have proof of why they are raising rates, because they will have to be paying out more money in areas that utilize RLCs.

So, there you have it.  Excellent arguments for not having Red Light Cameras.  I wanted them,  now I don’t.  I was wrong … except for … the fact, that … the main reasons why the above arguments are valid … is that … there are still too many people who drive like CRAP!!!!  Accidents are “more severe” because people speed up MORE!  Rear end accidents “increase”, because people drive TOO CLOSE to others, for their speed, to respond appropriately!?!?! … Really?!?  On this one … I don’t blame the insurance companies, at all [that actually hurt to say].

Come on people;

• Nearly 10% of America's drivers couldn't pass a DMV licensing test if they had to take it today. 
• 20% of drivers do not know that a pedestrian has the right of way at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• 1 in 3 drivers don't usually stop for pedestrians even if they're in a crosswalk or at a yellow light.
• One-third admit they speed up to make a yellow light even when pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

Some countries that we make fun of (regarding driving) actually have better driver qualifications in place, in order to get a license, than we do.

Next time you are thinking of taking an expensive vacation, consider spending the week-end (week ?) at a resort style driving school, like the Porsche driving school in Birmingham, AL. (I have no affiliation [I WISH] with this school).  Consider other schools like Bob Bondurant, Skip Barber and many others that offer fantastic programs in defensive driving.  All driving age members of your family would get an experience of a lifetime, that could very well save their (and others) lives. 

Low on dough?  How does free sound?  Go to Driver's Edge and check their schedule on when their program comes to your town.  This program is free for teens just starting to drive and uses professional drivers (NOT a bored PE or shop teacher) to give instruction on basic and advanced driving dynamics and accident avoidance techniques.  Kids that start out with strong, REAL, driving foundations have a significantly better chance of surviving their driving lifetime.  [full disclosure: Steven Tepper, President & COO of Driver’s Edge is a dear friend of our family]

Next time you are out buying a book, consider "Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)" and learn why you act the way you do behind the wheel.

And, people, use your horn.  It may not make your situation any better, but how is anyone going to know they’ve done wrong, if no one tells them.  It’s good for humanity.  Is that so … … wrong?