Red Light Camera Locations
There are many options (or devices and applications) available to warn drivers about red light camera locations, and one choice is the Trapster application.
Trapster is a free app available on all major platforms including iOS, Windows Phone, Android, and more. It has over 16 million users and a growing database of 6 million traps and hazards worldwide. Red light cameras are one of the many POIs you will be warned of when driving with Trapster. From speed cameras to road hazards; Trapster is a modern day radar detector system.
How does Trapster work exactly? Begin by visiting your smartphone's app store and searching for "Trapster". Download the application to your device, open the application, signup for a free account, and then begin driving with the app running. We highly recommend that you get a hands-free kit with car charger and dash or windshield mount. As you drive you’ll be warned of various kinds of traps and hazards, including the dreaded red light camera. Trapster has an extensive database of red light cameras but in the event you come across an intersection without a red light camera you can hit “Report” on the map and share it with the whole community. The same idea applies to incorrect red light camera locations. You can vote down on the incorrect red light camera, letting other users know that there isn't a camera there.
Red light cameras have been around since the 1960’s, after having first been developed in the Netherlands. You’ll usually find them attached to poles and protected in a metal box at busy intersections. Drivers frequently mistake traffic monitoring cameras for red light cameras. An experienced driver knows that there has to be a flash mechanism for the camera to take photos of drivers caught running the red light.
The stated goal of red light cameras and other speed traps is to reduce the high number of crashes and / or violations. However, several studies have been done that show red light cameras and speed camera aren’t safe and actually cause more accidents due to drivers slamming on their brakes to avoid getting a ticket. This can cause the driver(s) behind them to crash into the rear of their vehicle, potentially causing thousands of dollars in repair bills and untold human suffering. Whether red light cameras or speed camera detectors are safe or not, it sucks getting caught breaking a traffic law and paying the enormous fine that follows.
Download the free Trapster app for your mobile device today!
Creative Commons: photos from Flickr - red light camera photos from Bayridgephantom, Jeffrey Beall, TheDamnMushroom, Wesgate Michelle, Sterlic, Eda Cherry functoruser, traffic camera from Spikephotos . ReferencesWikipedia Red Light Camera