Psychology 409a – Presented Monday, November 28, 2005
My Ninth Outline of Assigned Readings
By Julie Gersh
Red-light Runners

Rothe, J. Peter. Driving Lessons. The University of Alberta Press: Alberta. 2002. 291-303.

Instructions for this activity are found at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm
Instructor: Dr. Leon James

Concept 1: What are Red-Light Cameras?

- Red-light cameras are defined as surveillance devices that identify when a person drives through a traffic light after it has turned red. The camera traces the current date, time and location of the violation.

- Red-light cameras affect society because the idea is that drivers, if they are aware of their presence, will consciously make an effort to slow down at yellow lights and not speed through red ones. Drivers are more careful when they realize that they are being watched by security. This is similar to someone who is less likely to shop-lift when there are cameras or a security guard next to them, as opposed to having no watchful-eye.

- I think that it is a little sad that our society has let driving come to this; that we need to have a watchful eye over us so we act appropriately and follow the law. But I do understand that there are times, such as 3am, when you are sitting at a traffic light for 3 or 4 minutes and it does seem a bit ridiculous to sit and wait. Though, that is the law and as citizens, we should abide.

Concept 2: Why do we need red-light cameras? Do we?

- This concept gives explanations as to why police enforcement needs these devices.

- The highest number of crashes occurs at intersections. Likely, the reasons revolve around drivers are running red and potentially yellow lights. Another reasonable explanation is that the larger the number of citations distributed in a given area, the more likelihood there is that a problem exists in that location. What does this mean for society? People could become too aware and feel that they are always being watched. A possible result is that this may lead to discomfort of a driver and lead them to potentially become even more dangerous on the road, rather than the goal, which is to become less dangerous.

- I see more positive aspects than negative aspects of red-light cameras. I believe they are not necessary at every single intersection. I think they are necessary, as I have stated above, where the most citations are given. There are many dangerous intersections, where there are more than just 4 lanes in different directions. These multi-lane intersections are complicated and often increase the dangerous factor because of pedestrians (think: intersection of University Ave. and King St. near campus). A driver would be plain stupid to run a light at the University and King intersection but I am sure it has happened and I can guess that there was an accident, or close to it, when it did.

Concept 3: The micro and macro world of society

- The micro world is when drivers are only aware of their own personal surroundings and reality. The micro world is when drivers are aware of larger concepts. Cameras are a part of our macro world.

- People who have a macro idea of life understand that their actions may have an effect on other drivers and their safety. Red-light cameras are examples of the macro world. They represent that higher institutions are considering drivers’ well-being and safety.

- The idea that red-light cameras would decrease the red-light running has been proven. Studies show that when people are aware of the cameras, they are more likely to obey the law than when they are unaware (ie many more violators were caught when drivers were unaware of the device’s presence). Thus, I believe that the cameras are a positive thing. For those who were caught but were previously unaware, they are unlikely to run in that intersection again and probably will be more conscious at other intersections.