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Health & Fitness

Red Light and Speed Cameras Don't See it All

We can come up with another way to encourage safe driving near schools.

Just recently City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel was able to get the State of Illinois legislature to whisk a bill to allow the City of Chicago to install "speed cameras" in school zones.

This was sold to lawmakers for the protection of children going to school against speeders. I have heard many comments and concerns on this issue.

Having a law enforcement background for the past 20 years, I would have to say that depending on machines for certain enforcement is not going to be "citizen friendly."

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In this day and time we have so many people rarely able to afford gas and insurance for their vehicles. Now, if you are trying to get your child to school and run over by 5 or 6 miles per hour, you may be fined from $50 to $100.

It would be great if we could get this attention for so many of our young people shot and killed in the streets. Repair broken street lights to brighten up dark alleys and rid our neighborhoods of abandoned homes.

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I can remember when the famous "red light cameras" started popping up at intersections. I have to say that many intersections are notorious for motorist who intentionally run pass. But what about that larger percentage of motorist who thought they could make it past the yellow, or the motorist who slams on their brakes and cause another to rear end them.

This trend caught on so quick, it turned from a safety issue to easy revenue for towns and villages.

I have never seen a bill get pushed in Springfield so fast, when we have many more major issues to deal with in this state. A cheaper way to enforce speeders in school zones is to add speed bumps in the area of concern.

Now, some company is about to make millions of dollars with more electronic spy cams. It's going to be business like always, and of course the famous saying is, "We are trying to protect our children." Many motorist I have spoken too and everyday citizens have a concern about electronic cameras.

A prime example would be a "real officer" stops you for running a red light, and you are able to provide a legit reason or a simple mistake. In many cases you would be let go with a warning provided you have insurance and a valid license. With a camera device, no conversation would take place and you may ask for a hearing. But 90 percent of the time you would never win.

I would like to know your thoughts on this matter.

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