Poll - Why Do You Use Red Light Camera POI's

I use them because I would like to know in advance that some idiot may be slamming on their brakes in front of me the moment it turns yellow... even though there are signs posted in my area for red light cameras... also to avoid getting a ticket of course...

Here in the states, you can also turn left on red if they are two one way streets unless a sign is posted.

Just watched the story - they did a good job with it - good going!

Now if there was only a good way to deal with mobile vans.. (In AZ, they just approved 100 more mobile vans being added to their current fleet of 2).

To avoid another $345 ticket I received for making a right turn on a red when no cars were coming.

I like having the red light camera POIs for safety reasons, laregely being extra aware of the person behind me. Since I get a two block warning or so, I can easily brake a little early to give the person behind me a signal that I am coming to a stop.

The other reason is that our yellow lights around metro Atlanta are not equal in duration. Some are way too short and some are 5+ seconds long. I would bet that many of the cameras that operated in Georgia included intersections with shorter than legal yellow lights. I don't care for increased insurance rates, a fine, and probably wasted time in traffic court.

I don't trust the local government that installs these cameras to be fair. A friend went to court and the judge agreed that the pictures and speed stamps supported her position but she still got the ticket.

At least in Albuquerque, they shortened the yellow light. Also, the red light camera also checks your speed. So, as you approach, you have to look at your speed, the car in front to ensure you do not rear end them if they are forced to stop short, and in your mirror to see if you have to slam on the break if you will be rear ended. The POI just helps remind you to look for all of these things. (We have since moved away from Albuquerque to Ohio, and while we only had one ticket for our household, the big brother attitude was part of the decision. They have plenty of murders and other violent crimes to solve, but would rather take money from otherwise lawful citizens.)

Yeah me too.. I am camera shy

Well, If there were any in my state, I'd use the file to know where the most dangerous intersections were. Of course that presumes that red light cameras are installed for safety purposes, not revenue enhancement.

I just came across this discussion, and thought I would add inmy 2 cents worth. I set it up just to see how it owuld work more than anything. I am pretty good about stoping for yellows, but sometimes you get caught with a short one. Now, if the cops are making them fast yellows so they can "catch" people, then that make sthem jsut as bad as the people who go through them. Maybe if the yellow was extended, or warning lights before the intersectoin would be better.

I do think the cameras make people aware, but they should also be posted as an intersection with a camera. The idea is to reduce accidents, not make money. I fthe idea is to make money, then sit on the corner and stick your hand out. Those people make more than most of us who work a regular job.

Alan

I beleive that an announcement for arriving at a busy intersection with red light camera would benefit everyone because it would give the driver a warning to slow down and this could prevents accidents

Despite what they say, it's never been about safety, it's all about the $$$. I pay enough taxes, I'd rather not pay this one.

How did you get the Nuvi 750 to play the mp3 alert tone? I loaded a Mp3 tone(slow down red light ahead) and my Nuvi 750 only plays a ding when I approach a redlight camera

Did you change the mp3 file name to match the name of the Red Light Camera POI file? I have the Red Alert siren from Star Trek play when I approach an intersection with a camera and it works well.

I drive approximately 200-300 miles a day for work, and i have no tickets on my record.

These redlight cams treat everyone as equally guilty.

In reality, most of these tickets go to Tenth of a second violations, or other such technicalities.

If a REAL cop witnessed most of the events, there would no be a ticket issued.

Because I like to hear the "deedle deedle" warning!

I agree, and this logic applies to speed trap warnings, and rest areas as well with drivers making sudden and unexpected moves/speed changes when they come upon a particular area.

Nice story and link back to the site.

To keep from getting a ticket.

In Ontario it's normally legal to make a right on red, after a complete stop of course. When it's not legal there's a nice sign hidden somewhere to let you know. In Quebec it's more hit and miss. Until recently it was always Red means Red but now there are areas where it's legal to turn on red. Theoretically there are signs telling you where you can or can't turn. When I'm unsure I find it easier just to stop until the light is green unless others in front of me are turning on red.

Answear CYA = keeping my money with me and not them.
jolleyr

As much to anticipate the guy in front of me may slam on his brakes even though the light just turned yellow as anything else.

I got one of these great tickets a couple years ago. Ran it at .05 secs. Thought i had plenty of time. At that time i thought that. I went back and timed it. The yellow light was exactly 4.5 seconds. (the speed is 45). Thus at least for this light it was correct. Im fairly certain if they were to change the lights timings just to bring in cash then that would make these tickets questionable in court. Or at least you would have an argument.

Anyways, the ticket tells you all the specs, time, speed, yellow light time, red light time and some other information.

While i think they are a scam as a whole. They really dont stop anyone from running red lights. I have never "run" a light, but have squeezed through while the light was pink......

I think the ticket did the opposite. Now i look for the cameras and if im aware that they dont have them there then i dont worry as much about catching a pink light.

Bleh

In areas where these cameras are,local people will slam on the brakes rather than run the camera. Several Cars behind them often can have rear end collisions if drivers are not alerted of this upcoming potential well in advance.

The GPS POI prepares you to be extra cautious at these intersections.