Are Speed And Red Light Cameras In Las Vegas’ Future?
Let’s face it. Drivers in the Las Vegas Valley are God awful. In 2022, the state estimates around 416 fatal crashes took place, up from the year before. Locally the numbers have increased year to year since 2021 as well. With all of the recklessness on valley roads and freeways, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill has an idea. According to the RJ, he wants red light cameras and speed cameras.
Right now in Nevada, these types of cameras are banned in the state for the sake of handing out citations unless there is an officer accompanying the camera. In other words, no cameras on poles automatically catching the dumbest among us. But if you drive around enough, you know something has to be done. Contesting tickets down to a parking violation is too easy, no one seems to learn their lesson and more and more motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are dying by the day.
Be careful what you wish for with red light and speed cameras in Las Vegas
While it would be nice if there was always an officer there to catch the motorcycle going 110 on the 215, that is unlikely. Putting cameras in trouble spots like high speed areas and intersections with red light runners sounds easy enough. Plenty of communities have done it. But plenty of others have backed out. States and cities have been backing away from the practice nationwide due to it turning into more of a money maker, but not necessarily a life saver.
Many of the tickets can turn out to be “ticky-tack”. That leads to needless contesting and troubles for the courts and drivers alike.
Maybe enforcing tickets is the answer?
While the cameras might be an answer, an easier one could be found in simply enforcing the tickets that are handed out. For every ticket issued, there is a pink building ready to get it knocked down to a minor inconvenience. In many states, this is not the case. If you felt as though the ticket was unfairly issued, you would have to contest it and appear in court.
If the tickets are easily defeated, then they aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
