What Are Speed Cameras?
Speed cameras have become increasingly popular on the streets of many cities, and Chicago is no exception. The cameras are designed to catch drivers who exceed the speed limit. But, are they actually improving safety on Chicago’s roads?
Chicago’s speed cameras use radar to detect when a vehicle is traveling above the speed limit. When a vehicle is detected going too fast, the driver receives an Illinois speeding ticket fine in the mail.
Arguments in Favor of Speed Cameras
The proponents of speed cameras argue that they are effective in reducing the number of accidents and injuries on the roads. The cameras are supposed to discourage drivers from speeding, and therefore, reduce the number of accidents caused by excessive speed.
Additionally, the cameras are automated. This means that the city can deploy them in areas where it would be difficult or dangerous for a police officer to monitor speed.
Arguments Against Speed Cameras
Critics of speed cameras argue that they are unconstitutional because they violate the accused’s right to confront their accuser. In the case of speed cameras, the accuser is an inanimate object, and there is no way for the accused to challenge the evidence against them.
Another argument against speed cameras is that they do not actually improve safety. Critics point out that the cameras can actually create unsafe conditions by causing drivers to slam on their brakes when they see the camera, increasing the chance of a potential collision. Critics also argue that the cameras do not deter dangerous driving behaviors like drunk or distracted driving, which are responsible for a significant number of accidents.
Chicago’s next mayor, Brandon Johnson, is also against speed cameras, “I’m for phasing them out if the Constitution allows us to,” Johnson said. “And if we can’t, wherever a speed ticket has been accumulated, or acquired, that ZIP code should get the revenue.”
Speed Cameras Bring in Millions
According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the city issued more than two and a half million tickets in 2022. This brought in more than $84.5 million, the bulk of which came from $35 tickets.
Furthermore, the IPI study found that the most lucrative speed cameras sit on the city’s South Side. This is where many residents are low income and may struggle to pay the fines. In many cases, the tickets bring up late fees as well. The City of Chicago maintains that the speed camera program is for safety.
What Do Studies Show?
The Chicago Department of Transportation conducted a study that found a 14% reduction in crashes at intersections where speed cameras were installed. However, critics have pointed out that the study failed to control for other factors. Such as changes in traffic patterns or road conditions.
Another study, conducted by the Northwestern University Transportation Center, found that while the cameras did lead to a reduction in the number of speeding violations, there was no significant reduction in the number of accidents or injuries.
The city commissioned a UIC study that found “little relationship between the number of tickets issued and the safety impact of cameras.” Furthermore, the study found that 3 in 10 cameras did not improve safety, and in fact, 16 cameras caused a “marked” increase in collisions.
Also, a report from ProPublica found that Black and Latino residents historically receive speed and red-light camera tickets at about twice the rate of white residents.
May Be Effective
While speed cameras may be an effective tool for reducing the number of speeding violations on Chicago’s roads, it is unclear whether they actually improve road safety. Although there is much data that speaks of speed cameras’ ineffectiveness, the debate around speed cameras is likely to continue.
Written by Cinque Muhammad
Sources:
ILLINOIS POLICY: Chicago speed cameras ticket 3.8 million drivers since Lightfoot cut limits
FOX 32 CHICAGO: Report: Chicago speed cameras aren’t making the city safer; more crashes reported
NBC CHICAGO: New Study Questions Effectiveness of Speed Cameras in Chicago, but City Contests the Findings
WGN RADIO: Are Chicago’s speed cameras increasing safety?
Featured Image Courtesy of Mike_fleming Flickr Page — Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jamie Beverly Flickr Page — Creative Commons License
