In the state of Louisiana, alarms have been raised regarding the number of traffic accidents caused by distracted driving due to mobile phone use while driving, creating distractions and fatal consequences. For this reason, they have decided to take action by launching a pilot road safety plan with automated cameras that will be responsible for issuing fines for traffic violations. The Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Program began operations last August and it is expected to run for a period of one year, after which the data will be evaluated and a decision will be made on whether to discontinue or expand it.
Through this new system, automated cameras placed in secret locations will take photos and videos of violations, thereby generating the corresponding fine. One of these violations will be the use of mobile phones while driving, which has been prohibited since the implementation of this measure. However, drivers will still be able to use hands-free devices. This measure has divided drivers, as some are in favor and consider it necessary, while others believe it is a violation of their privacy and do not agree that a machine should be the one to determine what constitutes a punishable offense.
Concern for Road Safety in Louisiana
There has recently been a significant increase in the number of accidents occurring on the roads in the state of Louisiana, especially those resulting from distracted driving. This is due to the use of mobile phones while driving, which is a major distraction and can have fatal outcomes. That is why, after years of debate between municipal officials and residents, the authorities have made a decision.
Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Program
Authorities have launched the Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Program, through which they aim to enhance road safety. It is a pilot program of cameras at five strategic points in the city, which will be responsible for detecting violations and issuing fines automatically. It came into effect last August and has a duration of one year. Once it concludes, officials and experts will analyze the data obtained and decide whether the plan should be discontinued or expanded.
How is a surveillance camera going to issue fines?
Easy. These are automated surveillance cameras capable of detecting violations, in this case, a specific one: checking if the driver is using their mobile device while driving. This program completely bans the use of mobile phones while driving, but allows hands-free use. Fines can reach up to $100, exceeding that amount if the violators are repeat offenders.
What does the population think?
The reactions of the citizens have been multiple and varied. On one hand, there are those who support the program and believe it is necessary, especially due to the consequences of an accident caused by distracted driving. On the other hand, there are those who consider it a violation of privacy, and they have also questioned the proper functioning of the cameras.
Will the Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Program really be useful?
It is impossible to place on-site controls with guards on all the state’s roads to check whether drivers are using their mobile phones or not. However, having a network of cameras is a great help in detecting all those infractions that go unpunished and pose a real risk to road safety. According to officials, “The cameras take images and record video continuously, and the fact that their locations are kept secret is also an advantage. This has been done to ensure that people adhere to this new prohibition on cell phone use beyond the intersections where these automated cameras have been installed”.
We will have to wait for the year that the program lasts to analyze the data obtained and see if it has truly made a difference, but at first glance, it can be predicted as an effective measure to reduce distracted driving and its terrible consequences.