The Safety of Houstonians Relies on Prop 3: Red Light Cameras

One of the propositions facing Houston's voters this year is Prop 3, also known as Keep Houston Safe. This is one of the easiest decisions I believe voters will be facing. Since implementing the use of red light cameras, Houston has become a safer city for drivers. Has it alleviated an overwhelming number of problems for our city's drivers? No. But it has definitely increased their safety. Studies have been conducted and the proof is there for all to see. Red light cameras work. The group known as Keep Houston Safe has been giving report after report of all of the benefits to keeping the city's cameras. Try as I might, I just can't find a good argument against it.

While people from Houston's Tea Party organization have taken a stand against it, I feel the reasoning behind that is weak at best. Traffic fines are not a tax. Citizens from the right, left and anywhere in between have supported this proposition. This issue isn't about how much the city makes, how much the company behind the cameras gets, or anything else involving money for me. To me, this is about the safety of Houstonians and anyone that drives through our city. These cameras have awakened many drivers to the fact that every driver is responsible for following the traffic laws. When you break the law, there will be consequences. With the use of the red light cameras, we can help make sure offenders are caught and adequately fined. If the act of citing someone for running a red light can open their eyes to their own need for better road safety, then it could also open their eyes before they run that light and plow into some innocent driver.

A great deal of urban accidents occurs due to a driver running a light. While I understand the argument against having so many cameras that allow 'Big Brother' to watch us, but I truly believe that this time it serves the community's best interest in this case. These cameras aren't tracking us for some secret purpose; they're keeping an eye on our intersections, catching traffic law violators, and providing evidence in accidents. If your argument is that you don't like receiving a ticket in the mail months after you've run a light, well, you shouldn't have been running a light in the first place. These cameras can't falsify what has occurred...drivers need to realize that the road is a public place, they do not have exclusive rights to drive how they see fit and the laws are for ALL drivers, not just the ones other than them.

It really is simple - follow the traffic laws and you won't get a ticket. And for the law abiding drivers - continue to drive in a lawful manner and know that these cameras are watching to help stop those who aren't and may just be responsible for making some other drivers more aware, and maybe even prevent another traffic accident. Support Prop 3 and you will be helping to keep Houston (and yourself) safe.