> I posted a link to a NYT's article on this subject a while
> back.  Yes, rear-end collisions increase, but side impact
> collisions decrease.  Rear-end collisions normally occur
> at much slower speeds than side impact collisions and the
> injuries are less severe.  I think that rear-end collisions
> can also be reduced by a public awareness campaign prior
> to installing cameras.  Personally, I think that cameras
> should also be placed randomly at even low collision
> intersections.

Astounding! You are so egar to turn law-enforcement (read: revenue
generating) over to automation run by a private, for-profit venture, that
you will turn a blind eye to a documented increase in traffic injuries as a
result of this highly irresponsible, suspicious Orwellian system? The report
by the VA DOT (stated to be in favor of the cameras) found no measurable
reduction in angle collisions (side-impact), while finding a measurable, and
significant increase in injuries resulting from rear-endings due to stopping
short. These are people who like the cameras, yet are dropping them, because
they are hurting people. Read this again:

"Despite a distinct sympathy in favor of camera enforcement, the researchers
found a "definite" increase in rear-end accidents and only a "possible"
decrease in angle accidents. Most importantly, the net effect was that more
injuries happened after cameras are installed. Camera proponents explain
this away by asserting angle accidents are more serious, but this claim has
not been scientifically studied according to this report. The rear end
collisions caused by the cameras still produce injuries -- the original
promise of camera proponents was that they would reduce accidents and
injuries, not rearrange them.
This study agrees with long-term findings in Australia and North Carolina."

Many many on this list, despite this information still enthusiastically
support the cameras. Apparently in Minneapolis, making money for the city is
more important than protecting the citizens.


Dan McGrath
Longfellow
http://www.smokeoutgary.org

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