We know that speeding is a problem. It causes accidents, injuries, and fatalities. We also know that drivers are more likely to slow down if they know there is a speed camera around the corner.
Changing social norms about speeding
The goal of photo radar programs is to reduce and deter speeding. No one wants to receive notice that a speed camera detected them speeding, but the public, in general, appreciates the improved safety they offer. In particular, when surveyed about the use of these systems to protect children in school zones, public support is very high, with 86% of those surveyed in favor of their use. (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2021-09/Countermeasures-10th_080621_v5_tag.pdf)
Speed cameras can make roads safer for children and seniors
Speed cameras should be installed at high-risk locations, including school zones, pedestrian crossings, and areas with higher volumes of vulnerable road users, such as seniors and children.
Children are more likely to be injured or killed by a speeding driver than any other type of vulnerable road user, making school zones and areas around playgrounds ideal locations for automated speed enforcement. Seniors are also more vulnerable on the road and often have mobility issues as well as more difficulty hearing approaching vehicles.
According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the number one cause of death for children and young adults 5 to 29 years of age. Speed management is a cornerstone to saving lives by reducing road traffic deaths and injuries. The facts are clear:
- An increase of 1 km/h vehicle speed causes 3% more crashes and 4-5% more fatal crashes.
- A 5% cut in average speed can result in a 30% reduction in the number of fatal road traffic crashes. (Source: CDC & WHO)
Quickly changing driver behavior
Speed cameras help raise awareness in zones frequented by vulnerable road users and keep drivers alert and aware of their surroundings. And they work! A study on the effectiveness of automated speed enforcement in New York City showed that one year after introducing speed cameras in restricted-speed school zones, bicycle/pedestrian crashes involving children were reduced by 19.6%. (https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/speed-camera-report.pdf) Other studies show injury crash reductions from the introduction of speed cameras are in the range of 20-25% for conspicuous, fixed camera sites. (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2021-09/Countermeasures-10th_080621_v5_tag.pdf)
Introducing automated speed enforcement works because motorists have a greater fear of being caught speeding. Issuing speeding tickets using an automated speed enforcement system quickly changes driver behavior. We have found with VDS’s systems that within 3-6 months, the number of speeding vehicles falls to 1/10 of the number prior to introducing the speed cameras.
Photo radar does not unfairly target drivers
The traditional system of speed enforcement is flawed. It relies on the presence of police officers, who are not always available in sufficient numbers. This can lead to frustration among motorists and a feeling that they are being unfairly targeted. Speed cameras improve driver behavior 24/7, not just during the times when police are available for speed enforcement activities.
The VDS Advantage
VDS radar speed cameras were developed for speed enforcement in Germany, a jurisdiction with some of the most stringent requirements for the accuracy and reliability of these systems. Additionally, in Germany, the issuance of citations requires driver photos to be a part of the record in addition to the license plate image. This is why VDS offers an optional high-resolution camera with an illuminator that captures clear images of drivers.
VDS radar speed cameras are now available in other countries, including the rest of the EU, the United States, and Canada. The VDS radar speed cameras are designed to work in any traffic environment, and they come with a variety of features that make them easy to set up and use. Our systems work very well in both inner-city zones and on country roads. The VDS radar speed cameras operate continually, require little maintenance, and include software that makes it easy to review infractions. The radar speed cameras are also highly accurate, which means you don’t have to worry about inaccurate readings that could cause problems when issuing citations.
VDS systems are easy and fast to set up and easy to operate. In addition to permanent installations, VDS offers portable systems that can be easily used in multiple locations during the day (e.g., kindergarten, schools, hospitals and other locations which are frequently used by pedestrians).
VDS’s speed enforcement system greatly improves driver behavior and reduces the number of fatalities on roadways, and ultimately provides a safer living environment for everyone.
