U.S. drivers have mixed feelings about speed cameras
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in one-quarter to one-third of traffic deaths in the U.S.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light and speed cameras, often known as photo enforcement, are utilized in around 170 communities across the United States, with automated enforcement legislation on the slate in 15 states. However, drivers in the U.S. are split when it comes to their feelings about the use of speed cameras, says a recent survey from Erie Insurance.
According to a release from Erie, 49% of respondents support speed cameras and 35% oppose them, with some remaining neutral on the issue. However, many of those who came down in opposition to the use of the cameras were fine with their use in certain scenarios. Sixty-percent of those who were either opposed or neutral said they could support their use on roads where speeding or accidents are a documented problem or on roads frequented by bicycles and pedestrians.
This data was compiled from a survey of 500 licensed drivers over age 18 conducted by Falls & Co. on behalf of Erie Insurance between August 22 and September 2, 2021.
“As a company that sees tragic consequences of speeding, Erie Insurance commissioned this survey to draw attention to the fact that speeding is a huge problem, but it’s within our collective power to solve it,” Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto, Erie Insurance said in a press release. “Many lives could be saved if more drivers would simply follow the speed limit.”
The survey also found that 33% of respondents believe speed cameras are a violation of privacy, though 46% disagree with that and feel their use is appropriate. Fifty-four percent said they believe speed cameras are effective in getting drivers to obey speed limits, while 23% disagreed.
Over half of drivers (53%) expressed some cynicism about the motivation behind use of the cameras, and said they believe they are mainly in place in order to raise revenue for the government, rather than to improve traffic safety.
The majority of respondents (61%) said while they believe those who are photographed speeding should get a ticket, they think it should only apply to those captured going more than 10 mph over the speed limit. As it turns out, drivers who are willing to disregard speed limits to this extent are not rare. In fact, 11% of the drivers surveyed admitted to driving at extreme speeds (20 mph or more over the limit) early in the pandemic when traffic was reduced, and plenty have continued that habit as traffic levels have rebounded.
As we know, speeding is often not a victimless crime. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in one-quarter to one-third of traffic deaths in the U.S..
“A properly constructed photo enforcement program is a proven effective tool to significantly reduce speeding and crashes, making the roads safer for everyone who uses them,” said IIHS Vice President for Research Jessica Cicchino in a press release from Erie. “It’s an equitable and consistent way to enforce speed limits 24/7. Safety groups have developed an automated enforcement checklist to help communities implement programs successfully.”