In order to define and solve the impaired driving problem, legal officials use a variety of examinations and screening devices.  For example, field sobriety tests and breathalyzers are used to determine blood alcohol levels; HGN procedures test a drivers' eyes for any involuntary jerking motion; and walking a straight line or balancing on one foot are used to screen for coordination.  There has been a long-term trend to promote safe driving by the growth of electronic surveillance and new values.

    As technology increased, some drivers purchased radar detectors or "fuzz busters." The function of it was simply to make radar patrols electronically visible to motorists passing by.  However, there is no evidence that drivers who own radar detectors are more prone to being violators or risk-takers.  In the early 1990's, devices such as laser guns and video speed recorders were being tested and would soon be used.

    New technological systems called photo radar have been developed in recent years.  They beam at an accelerated rate in comparison to the conventional radar detector.  These photo radar cameras consist of Doppler radars linked to cameras.  The radar acquires an oncoming car which them determines the speed.  The camera is then triggered when a vehicle surpasses the programmed speed, taking a photo of the car and driver.  Once the camera spots a driver, a negative is produced including a photo of the car, date, time, and speed recorded.  A small print is mailed to the vehicle's owner with an official letter.  It should also be remembered that the owner of the car is in violation and not the driver.  The assumption that registered owners are responsible whether they are driving or not exists.
 
    There are five advantages of photo radar over conventional speed techniques as stated by Freedman, Williams, and Lund (1989):

        1) Identifies speeding vehicles in a non-discriminatory manner, producing relevant information such as speed and time.

        2) Detects and records nearly all speeders.

        3) Emits a signal that's effective against radar detectors.

        4) Reduces hazardous exposure of police officers, speeders, other vehicles, and pedestrians.

        5)Requires minimum officer time on the site.

    Photo radar pictures and charges are mailed ten to fourteen days after the event to the registered owner.  This prohibits vehicle owners from gathering facts for their offenses.  It is also difficult for the driver to remember every detail after fourteen days have passes.  However, in response to this an Arizona district attorney argued that, "If a driver had good reason to speed, it would be memorable ten to fourteen days later.  On the other hand, if the incident couldn't be remembered the driver would be admitting that they speed on a regular basis.

    In conclusion, both the driver and the registered owner of the car should be held responsible for any speeding encounters.  It isn't fair to place all the blame on the owner of the car and none on the driver.  As for other electronic surveillance devices, I'm in favor of it in certain areas.  The cameras should be regarded as something that protects us rather than something harmful.