Red-light camera systems used in New York City and on Long Island was introduced to monitor problematic intersections that experience a high rate of drivers running red lights.
These cameras monitors commuters who travel to the city and Long Island. All images captured are reviewed by members of the company’s staff to identify whether or not a violation took place and whether it is able to be prosecuted.
The camera uses sensors that are embedded in the road at an intersection. A picture is taken of the rear of a car as well as video of the vehicle. If a violation is shown to be evident, a picture is taken. However, if the vehicle suddenly stops and doesn’t create the violation, then that is dismissed.
Some believe that the red-light camera creates a mindset that stimulates drivers to slam on their brakes at a yellow signal rather than risk being in the intersection when the light turns red. That sudden action, they say, can cause a rear-end accident.
What causes rear-end accidents are people not paying attention or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding through an intersection rather than stopping is not only wrong but dangerous.
An unsafe negligent act cause a serious accident.
The Commuting column appears Saturdays. Anthony P. Musso, a LaGrangeville resident, commuted to work in White Plains and Manhattan for years. Write him in care of the Poughkeepsie Journal, P.O. Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Or email him at railcommute@aol.com.
