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Accidents go up, revenue doubles, but this is totally about keeping people safe π
this post was submitted on 30 Jul 2023
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I think it's about raising revenue, would be a bonus to reduce crashes. Hopefully all this revenue goes to getting people out of motor vehicles and onto other modes.
There was a study several years back that concluded that speed and stoplight cameras actually increase crashes. Drivers often see them at the last moment and slam on the breaks then get rear ended or cause cars to swerve.
Don't drive faster than the speed limit? Shouldn't have to slam if your driving the limit.
Also drivers have seat belts, crumple zones and air bags. Pedestrians do not. The danger presented to a pedestrian is much greater than a driver whose rear ended at a red light.
I'd argue that changing speed limits without actually changing the design of the roads will not improve safety significantly.
There is a great video from Not Just Bikes on the subject: https://youtu.be/bglWCuCMSWc
I think more speed cameras and a lower limit would make a noticable difference. It's also fast to implement. With that said, a longer term goal should be to redesign roads to calm traffic more naturally.
I think the issue with introducing speed cameras is that it's hard to convince folks it's about safety and not just a cash grab.
Agreed. Would be good to just decribe it that way from the beginning, like tolled express lanes on the highway.