When driving in Australia, you can be nipped for a variety of offenses. While many offenses can be monitored, the most popular way is through cameras that monitor traffic. At the same time, they are not only there to give you fines but also serve as a visual deterrent to discourage drivers from bad behavior. This article will go through some of the most common offenses when driving on Australian roads.
Speeding Offenses Caught on Camera
The most common traffic violation in Australia is speeding and this is a factor that contributes to almost every road safety accident or incident. Because of the widespread issues of these violations, cameras have been put up all over Australia to help curb the impact of speeding on our roads. These have helped to penalise drivers that speed and, in turn, make people more aware of the impacts that speeding will have on themselves and others.
81km/h Above the Limit
An extreme case of speeding was caught on the roads of New South Wales where one driver was caught speeding 81km/h above the limit, which is one of the highest on record. They didn’t escape easily and ended up having to pay fines of $4,912 as well as having their license suspended for an entire year due to the breach. It not only shows the effectiveness of camera technology but also the repercussions of speeding.
How Cameras Enforce Speeding Laws
There has been a fair bit of research looking at the effectiveness of camera enforcement and their effect on fatality and injuries when it comes to speeding. The most populat showing the implemetation of mobile speed cameras resulted in a 26% decrease in speeding fatalities. In a simular case victoria revelased that their cameras led to a 23% decrease in overall accidents and a 32% decrease in severe injury accidents.
Red Light Violations Caught on Camera
Another common instance of violation that results in serious consequences is disregaurding red lights, posing a massive risk to road safety. Those who disregard traffic signals and enter intersections heightened chances of colliding with vehicles or pedestrians. This is why the government have introduced red light violations as a way to curb these potential disasters.
Running Reds on Melbournes Lygon Street
Another wild example of a traffic violation was when a man was charged for running a red light in Melbourne Lygon Street but also smashing into a family vehicle, leaving others fighting for their lives. The 40-year-old Volkswagen driver was detained by bystanders until the police arrived and were charged with running a red light as well as other drug offenses. This is a clear example of why we should protect our roads with cameras so we can save lives.
How Camera Enforce Red Light Laws
When the incidents of drivers running red lights continued to rise the integration of red-light cameras in australia also began. This meant that many were installed in intersections or on traffic signal posts so they can capture images of vehicles passing red lights. These recorded images are then passed on to authorities and used as evidence to penalize drivers who disregaud the law.
Cell Phone Usage Caught on Camera
One serious issue that has come into pass during the last 10-20 years is the introduction of cell phones and the impact on driving. These pose as a distraction to the road and contribute to many risks that we don’t necessarily give enough credit for over the long run. This is why the governemnt have introduced cameras targeting cell phone useage and implemented them in various loactions.
Pensioner Caught on Camera
While traffic cameras are used for a variety of incidents, the pensioner, Frank Singh from New South Wales, kicked up a fuss when we were fined $362 for using a mobile while driving. The thing with this incident is that the cameras actually incorrectly took an image of him looking at a wallet but assumed it was a mobile phone. It might be a distraction, but there are still no legal implications of picking up a wallet while driving, and the fine was retracted.
How Cameras Enforce Cell Phone Usage
In Australia, there are a few methods for mobile phone detection that are different from the usual tactics. These include roadside patrols, undercover police operations, or even informed individuals who snoop on the roads. These are all effective methods that can pick up mobile usage until better technology is developed.
To conclude, utilizing cameras to oversee and enforce traffic plays a big role in enhancing road safety in Australia. If we discourage these bad habits, we can not only contribute to a safer country but also a more responsible driving culture that leads to individuals really understanding the consequences of their actions.
