One one hand, maybe the surveillance state is out of control.

On the other, people won't drive at reasonable speeds in their massive SUVs while texting or whatever they're doing,and I just want to walk and cycle safely around town. Maybe it's time to see if fining drivers helps.

I've come to the conclusion that we get exactly the nanny state we deserve.

Since we've become (or always been) a population of many self-absorbed children without a sense of civic duty, responsibility, or accountability, this is the logical and rational result of that behavior.

I say, fuck 'em. It serves them right. If we need to start following fuckups around with small silent drones to prevent their fuckuppery and not have to rely upon dumb, biased, self-preserving LEOs to be around at every turn, so be it.

Humans are shit drivers. Anything that tempers base instincts can only be good

This is a tough one.

I don’t believe speed cameras are all that common around Northern Illinois. At least not nearly as common as red light cameras.

Red light cameras, while not the subject of this post, suck. They seem geared most towards catching folks failing to make a full and complete stop (which by my estimate needs to be at least a five-count) prior to the line (not at the line, and certainly not past the line) before attempting to make a right-turn-on-red. They have been the subject of and have lost numerous lawsuits, due to apparent corruption of authorities.

I’d also like to see statistics citing whether or not red light cameras actually make things safer. I know they have more or less contributed to rear-end accidents from people slamming on their brakes.

I guess the one good thing is that they do not discriminate. Well, unless you put one in a poor area of the city.

Back to speed cameras. I do think some of my concerns about red light cameras (arbitrary criteria, corruption, potential discrimination) also could apply to speed cameras here.

Outside of the USA, I’ve been in someone’s car in Germany who was very aware of where the speed cameras were located. They are very noticable and put in useful locations. For example, school zones. And people generally seem to notice them and obey them.

Fuck, so many people here in the USA don’t give any shits about school zone speed limits, and if you try to obey them, you’re likely to get some asshole attempting to run you off the road, honking at you, and/or flicking you off. Would love to see those folks get tickets.

That being said, distracted driving and tailgating are by far much worse offenses than speeding in my opinion. Probably statistically, too. I don’t think speed cameras will help either of those things. In the case of tailgating, might actually make it worse. Thinking of what might happen if you put a speed camera on the I-290 extension near Woodfield. Firmly believe that is a bad idea.

So this is a mixed bag, maybe in very specific instances like school zones, might be okay. But generally I don’t like the idea. And I don’t think they will change people’s bad driving habits. As soon as they are out of sight of the camera, they will stomp on the accelerator.

I’m all for speed cameras but tickets should be based on a percentage of income, not a flat rate for all, otherwise the wealthy just don’t give a shit.

tallchris wrote: Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:04 pm I’m all for speed cameras but tickets should be based on a percentage of income, not a flat rate for all, otherwise the wealthy just don’t give a shit.

I'm with with a flat rate that is reasonable. Culver City red light cameras generate tickets at $500. Ask me how I know. That's just complete fucking fuckshit that is.

tallchris wrote: Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:04 pm I’m all for speed cameras but tickets should be based on a percentage of income, not a flat rate for all, otherwise the wealthy just don’t give a shit.

That's an interesting point. I'd really like traffic enforcement to lead to quicker license suspension for people who won't behave-- essentially giving bad drivers 30 day time outs. Of course the wealthy can just use uber, but the inconvenience would be more severe than simply writing checks.

The best idea would, of course, be narrower streets with more trees , traffic circles, etc. coupled with decent public transit, but that approach is more expensive than techy gizmos and scares people who fear socialism and whatnot.

tallchris wrote: Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:04 pm I’m all for speed cameras but tickets should be based on a percentage of income, not a flat rate for all, otherwise the wealthy just don’t give a shit.

I think the wealthy are often cheap fucks who do get all bent out of shape over tickets. They have hefty payments on those new Rivians.

Up until about 15 years ago every study in the UK that had been done on speed cameras showed that they increase accidents. Of course, the powers that be couldn't have evidence showing that it's really just a stealth tax so they manufactured their own studies and paid for them to show at the top of search results.
Oh, and they also changed the name to 'safety cameras' just to complete the propaganda circle.


Crap.

This is the wrong poll.

Cars: crap