The Alberta government’s decision to ban photo radar has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that it will lead to a decrease in traffic violations and a reduction in accidents. Others believe it will lead to a decrease in revenue for the municipalities and a decrease in funding for road safety initiatives.
This is a significant concern, as speed is a major contributing factor to fatal crashes. Speed limits are often set to ensure safety, and exceeding them can significantly increase the risk of a crash. For example, in 2019, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that speeding was a factor in 29% of all fatal crashes in the United States.
Kelly Apacible, a resident of the city of San Diego, California, expressed her concerns about the potential increase in reckless driving after the removal of photo radar. She believes that the presence of photo radar acts as a deterrent, discouraging drivers from speeding. Apacible’s concerns stem from her personal experience and observations. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of photo radar on reducing speeding incidents in her neighborhood.
