Readers Write: A way to prove red-light cameras are for safety

The Island Now

Google “traffic lights with timers” to see a wide variety of traffic light timers.

 We are all familiar with the excellent pedestrian crossing signs we have in Nassau County with a countdown timer to let the pedestrian how much time remains for the “Walk” signal before it changes to “Don’t Walk.” This helps the pedestrian to decide whether or not enough time remains to attempt the crossing.

Many municipalities have also deployed visual timers to their traffic lights used by drivers in order to give the driver more information on where the light cycle is currently is in time. There are many different configurations of these traffic lights with timers. Some timers count down for the red, yellow, and green signals. 

The yellow signals give drivers a lot of problems because they vary in duration from one traffic intersection to another. The time it takes to navigate an intersection varies too based upon the speed of the vehicle, the distance that must be covered to clear the intersection, and whether one is travelling straight ahead or turning (lower speeds on turning).

I propose that the excess revenues generated by red light cameras and speeding cameras at schools to be used to help fund equipping the traffic lights with timers to give the suckers drivers an even break. We hear from our politicians that their objectives are increased safety and reduced accident rates rather than the obscene revenues generated by the $50.00 tickets and $30.00 administrative fees.

If the politicians are truly trying to get drivers to drive more safely and to reduce accidents, then they should get behind equipping traffic lights with timers.

Meanwhile, consider holding the politicians accountable for unleashing this intrusive, electronic photo surveillance on the public. While a policeman can apply judgment in giving out tickets versus warnings, the electronic tickets are far too mechanical, and the judgment of those who review the videos may be compromised by financial considerations.

Whenever it is safe, stop on yellow because you do not know when the signal will turn to red and catch you on camera in the intersection.

 In order to avoid getting a “robo-ticket in school areas, slow down to the posted speed limit, which may be a slow as 20 m.p.h.

Request your esteemed legislators to install signage to identify those intersections where electronic photo surveillance is in effect. After all, knowing that the intersection is so controlled should put the drivers on their best behavior, increasing safety-mindedness and reducing accidents

Don’t allow the politicians to ramp up surveillance even further to the point where it will be virtually impossible to go to the store without coming home with a ticket for some momentary infraction.

Joseph A. Hobel

Garden City

Share this Article