There is a national debate raging about the use of photo radar cameras to detect and potentially punish speeding motorists. Some argue that these devices increase individual compliance with speed limits, lowering the average speed at which drivers operate and thereby increasing safety. Others claim that the cameras serve to increase the erratic nature of motorists who will speed, slow down dramatically before coming to a camera, and then speed up again once past it, thereby decreasing safety. And yet many think that photo radar cameras are not designed to improve safety but simply to increase revenues by issuing as many tickets as possible, enabling increased funds to go to local police departments, cities, and municipalities.
Some areas, like Tucson, have left it up to the voters to decide whether they want photo radar in their communities. Other cities have made the decision without input from residents, causing both positive and negative responses. Recently, action by Governor Doug Ducey means that those who reside in El Mirage or Star Valley will not have to worry about the cameras any longer as they are now banned along state highways.
On Monday, Governor Ducey signed a ban of the speed radar devices in those areas along state highways where some cameras currently are located. The ban does not affect other cities, thereby enabling these localities to decide for themselves whether they choose to use photo radar cameras and if so, where to locate those cameras.
Speeding is linked to roughly one out of every two car accidents that take place in this country, including those that happen in the greater Phoenix area. Experts estimate that if motorists stopped speeding entirely, thousands of lives could be saved and millions of dollars in damages could be avoided annually. Yet when surveyed, nearly 80 percent of drivers report that driving at or near the speed limit makes it easier to avoid dangerous situations and collisions. In that same survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 91 percent of drivers said that everyone should obey the speed limit because it is the law.
There is a difference in attitude and practice when it comes to views on speeding in Maricopa County where a large number of motorists admit to speeding regularly or all the time. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a collision with a driver who is traveling too fast for conditions, know that you may be entitled to financial relief for your damages that result, including any medical expenses you incur or wages you may miss from work.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. regularly represent victims who were hurt in a collision due to another driver’s speeding, and if you were similarly hurt, we want to represent you as well. We offer a case consultation without cost or obligation to victims who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We understand that your focus should be on your health and not on the legal consequences of a crash you did not cause so we have an attorney available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with you.
If you have questions, contact Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with answers.
Prior Blog Entry:
Light Rail along 19th Avenue Now Open, Ridership Increase Expected, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 21, 2016.
Resource:
Gov. Doug Ducey signs photo-radar ban on state highways, azcentral.com, published March 22, 2016.