Traffic cameras vs. culture of speed

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Cedar Rapids' traffic cameras are nabbing speeders right and left. Since March 2, more than 35,000 speeding, and some 2,500 red-light, citations, have been issued - an average of well over 100 per day. Some drivers are apparently reluctant learners, racking up multiple citations.

Keep in mind the cameras were phased in and now monitor 10 intersections, including Interstate 380 above and below the infamous S-curve. A mobile speed camera also is in use.

If nothing else, the big numbers confirm what most of us already know: Our driving culture is addicted to going fast, pushing the limits, defying or ignoring what traffic engineers and politicians determine is a reasonable, safe speed on public roads.

The controversial camera system was billed as a more efficient, effective way to change the behavior linked to that culture. Police Chief Greg Graham has consistently stuck to safety benefits as No. 1 reason for installing the cameras, while also freeing up officer time for other high-priority police work. Some residents and visitors see the cameras as a money-grabbing scheme; the system has generated nearly $1 million in revenue for the city after deducting what's owed the company running the system.

So, other than revenue, what do we know so far?

Accidents citywide are down 8 percent from last year. But crash data from specific intersections are compiled only annually.

Speeding and red-light violations are down sharply at the first three intersections where cameras were installed, compared with the first month of operation. Violations recorded on northbound I-380 at Diagonal Drive dropped by more than half in the first four months.

And police officials say they've noticed some driver behavior changes.

Police aren't, however, saying the jury is in on the cameras' effectiveness. Traffic may be slowing down, at least near targeted areas, but is it safer out there? Until there is credible, convincing data tied to those specific intersections, no one can say for sure. As police Sgt. Cory McGarvey, who leads the city's traffic bureau, told a Gazette reporter, the next few months - especially the treacherous conditions of winter - will be the biggest test: “If we get through the winter and we see a significant reduction (in serious crashes), that's a great sign that we're finally getting somewhere,” he said.

We'd also like to see data showing how officers' time is being used compared to pre-camera times. Are they writing fewer traffic tickets and devoting more time to criminal investigations?

Bottom line is that the traffic cameras must increase public safety. While there are some encouraging signs so far, they are not conclusive. Once the cameras have been in operation a full year, the public deserves a full accounting of their impact.