Does anyone realize how dangerous Red Light Cameras really are?
Those things are so incerdibally dangerous for motorcycle riders.
It is litterally a life or death decision to risk getting a ticket or risk having the driver behind me turn me into a hood ornament.
Yeah, so it is their fault if they run into the back of me but that is not going to help me very much if I am dead.
Then to make things worse the local govenments tamper with the duration of the yellow light and make it shorter in an effort to catch as many drivers as possible!
I actually used to think that red light cameras were a good idea but after almost being rear ended three times now and having to slide to a stop more than once because the guy in front of me locked down his breaks on a light that went from green immediately to red with only a flash of a yellow light I have completely changed my mind.
Just do a yahoo search for "red light cameras rear end accidents" and see what you get.
What can be done?
2006-12-12 07:21:25 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I am with you, the camera's are a bad idea. In a perfect traffic situation as described in the other posts, they are correct. Add rain, ice, vehicle types, road rage, etc and the equation get's complicated. They were installed to generate revenue and billed as a safety device. Sure, there are stats that prove it is cutting down on the runners, but the accidents are up as you said. That is not in the reports issued to the public. Short story is that the camera's are here to stay, they make money. Until someone get's seriously injured and sues, there will be nothing done. Sad it has come to that, but just a fact. I have read that there are devices that will defeat the camera's, but not sure that they work. Several sprays, but they only work when flashes are involved. Do a search, I am sure you will find a host of products.
2006-12-12 07:46:48 · answer #1 · answered by l_martz 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The problem here isn't the cameras, it's the drivers. There would be no need for the red light cameras if everyone obeyed the law. Unfortunately that doesn't happen and there is a need to put such cameras in place. Slow down when you see the light has changed to yellow. There is no reason to speed up especially being on a motorcycle. I'm sorry, I can't feel for you on this issue. Red-light cameras is a good idea and it serves as two purposes. It cuts down on speeders as well as on crime. If this bothers you so much, trade in the bike for a car. Otherwise, stop crying and obey the law.
2006-12-12 07:37:14 · answer #2 · answered by cookie 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ride aware.
Always look ahead, and watch how long a light has been green. Slow down as you come near a 'stale' green light (it's been green awhile).
Look in your rearview mirrors, see if you've got a 'bubble boy' mentality driver behind you - one that's on the phone, not looking forward, too close for comfort, etc.
If you've got a problem behind you, look for options: Slow down early, giving them time to react. Or, change lanes so you've removed yourself from the problem, etc.
If all else fails and you see the guy barrelling at you with no indication they realize traffic is no longer moving, take your escape route - the median or turn lane area - but be sure you're aware of anyone coming up quick in that lane.
Always leave lots of room between you and the vehicle in front of you - this gives you time to generate the speed needed to use your escape route.
Don't ever think in terms of how much time it takes for you to stop for a red light - think in terms of how long the guy behind you will take to stop.
Running the red is never an option - since that will get you smooshed just as easily. I'm not worried about the ticket, it's the ton of metal aiming for me that I'm trying to avoid.
I always tell myself, safety is not what the other guy does, it's what I do.
2006-12-12 07:35:09 · answer #3 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Why do people keep recommending sprays? He's not trying to get away with anything, except his life!
I'm afraid that there is not much you can do other than take Ducatisti's advice to heart. She tells you to do what I do. Always, always, ALWAYS have a way out. I'm not about to get squished so I can sue if I live. Good luck and watch that bumper you aint got.
I don't know how many times I've told the car behind me: "Hey! That aint a bumper back there!"
2006-12-12 09:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn to ride. Never lock you brakes for a yellow light. More riders are hit sitting at lights by twinkies on the cell phone.
2006-12-12 09:53:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe find a different route without cameras.
2006-12-12 16:05:31 · answer #6 · answered by Louie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋