I’ve blown hot and cold on the populist gripe against red light cameras, that they’re only about enhancing municipal revenue. When Tucson set up red light cameras last year, the city probably enjoyed a significant revenue spike. But people learn fast, and now almost no one runs red lights . . . so there goes the spike, at least. Even though there are far fewer red light runners today there probably has been a long term increase in revenue, simply because all violators are now photographed and ticketed, vice the few who were actually caught by cops before . . . but I don’t know how significant it is.
I thought I had learned not to run red lights, but in an inattentive moment I did just that. Three weeks ago I was waiting behind two other cars for a left turn arrow, and when it came the lead driver just sat there. The driver behind him finally honked, and without thinking I followed both cars through the intersection. Of course the light had turned red, but I wasn’t paying attention, so focused was I on the idea that surely at least three cars can get through on a green left turn arrow. Actually ten cars could have gotten through, if only the lead driver had been paying attention.
So I sort of knew I’d run a red, and wasn’t surprised when a traffic ticket showed up in the mail Friday. Because I have a commercial license, I’m not eligible to take a defensive driving class in lieu of paying the fine, which I sent in this morning. At least I didn’t have to go stand in line at the DMV. I’ll still have to take a traffic survival class, which is not the same thing as the defensive driving class, but that’s down the road.
My wife got a red light camera ticket about a year ago, and on the advice of friends and co-workers decided not to pay it. The word on the street was, and maybe still is, that a ticket isn’t really enforceable unless it’s served on you in person. But I read the fine print on my ticket and did a morning’s worth of online research, and it doesn’t look good. Most likely, Donna’s license has been suspended and a warrant issued for her arrest. I’m not expecting the SWAT team to come bust down our door and shoot our dog, but if Donna’s ever pulled over by a cop she’ll be toast. Red light camera tickets may or may not be strictly legal, but the courts treat them as if they are and the short answer is you pay, one way or another.
As a general rule, the more vociferous the “you don’t have to pay it” advice you get from people, the more likely it is the advice is bullshit. Look at all the poor saps who thought they could quit paying income taxes because they listened to hucksters and idiots telling them taxes are unconstitutional. Same thing here.
So, am I hot or cold on red light cameras? Obviously, an expensive ticket hurts. But I think . . . and I’m trying hard to be mature here . . . that the net effect of red light cameras is enhanced safety, and not, at least after the initial spike when they’re first installed, enhanced revenue. When you realize that red light cameras really work . . . that they never take naps or doughnut breaks . . . you quit running red lights, and that’s good for all of us. Yeah, getting a ticket by mail is a Big Brother experience, but it’s probably better than having to face an actual cop and run the attendant risk, these days, of being tased for not groveling fast enough, and after all we drive on public roads, not private property, and therefore have to obey the rules.
I don’t have to like it, but if I were king there’d be red light cameras at all intersections.
You know those overly-cautious drivers who slam on their brakes the split second the light ahead turns yellow, forcing you to slam on your own brakes and spill your coffee? Those timid chickenshits who drive like little old ladies? Be nice . . . it might be me.