By David Peel
Red light cameras abound at more than 30 locations in the Memphis area, from Millington to the Mississippi border, and Ole Man River all the way to Germantown. On the parking lot that is known as Germantown Parkway, there are at least eight (8) red light cameras! Remember, it is only illegal to ENTER an intersection if the light is red. You might have received a ticket in the mail with your $50.00 fine. Have you ever wondered how the red light cameras actually work? 1. The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop line AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. 2. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle. The first image from low in the rear shows your car at the white stop bar and the nice bright red light. 3. The second image captures you smack dab in the middle of the intersection, still showing that convicting red light glaring right at you. 4. The Robocops that must surely run this thing then zoom right up on your license plate. Busted. 5. While you only get the photos in the ticket, you might be surprised to learn that the red light cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light. What if you were not driving? You must submit an “Affidavit of Non-Responsibility” if your vehicle was sold or stolen, and go to the hearing to dispute it. The good news is that you do not receive points on your driving record, and it is not reported to insurance. The bad news is that failure to pay the civil penalty or appear in court to contest it, shall result in an assessment of court cost of forty-five ($45.00) dollars, and you can be chased by collectors. To view your video and images, logon to www.ViolationInfo.com and enter the Notice Number and the PIN Number located at the top right of your Notice of Violation. No one really likes getting violations, but consider this: In 2006 alone, red-light running resulted in almost 900 fatalities and 144,000 injuries. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has found that red light camera programs reduce crashes by 30 percent.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in car accidents, work place incidents, medical malpractice, and nursing homes. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
