If you regularly drive around Augusta, Georgia, you may notice cameras on utility poles. These devices are quite common and have a valuable use. But what is that use? Are they red light cameras, traffic cameras, or both?
Traffic Camera vs. Red Light Camera
Many people use the terms interchangeably and don’t even realize there is a difference between a traffic camera and a red light camera. However, they are very different types of cameras and offer different benefits to the city and drivers.
Traffic Cameras
Traffic cameras monitor traffic and let drivers know what roads are currently in greater or lesser use. The city of Augusta maintains dozens of traffic cameras and makes live feeds or still snapshots from those cameras publicly available at all times. This offers benefits to both drivers and the city. Drivers can look at cameras to help determine what route is likely to have the least traffic. This helps them get to their destination more quickly. Furthermore, using these cameras helps reduce traffic overall, which has the added benefit of reducing the number of car accidents caused by heavy traffic.
Red Light Cameras
Unlike traffic cameras, the feeds from red light cameras aren’t publicly accessible. These cameras are not placed at locations that are likely to have heavy traffic but rather at places where drivers are most likely to run red lights. When a driver runs a red light, a red light camera takes a picture of the offending vehicle, and the owner of that vehicle is mailed a ticket. The owner of the vehicle can challenge the red light ticket in court or accept the fine and pay it.
Augusta Currently Doesn’t Have Red Light Cameras
As of April 2024, Augusta has no red light cameras in place. However, that may change if city commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight has her way. She is proposing the implementation of a red light camera system in Augusta. Running red lights to make left turns is a significant source of accidents in Augusta. Running red lights isn’t just a danger to other cars. Drivers who run red lights could hit pedestrians or bicyclists. Red light cameras should decrease the amount of serious accidents that occur on the most dangerous roads in Augusta. However, adding them could also create problems. The most significant problem is that red light cameras may cause other accidents. Some drivers will slam on their brakes to avoid running red lights, resulting in rear-end collisions. Furthermore, the system costs the city money to maintain. While that will be made up for in fines at first, that money may dry up as people learn about the cameras and avoid getting tickets.
How To Pay a Ticket If the System Is Implemented
Georgia makes paying a ticket easy, regardless of how you get it. You may pay in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Even if the county doesn’t have a website, Georgia maintains a centralized database that offers a “pay ticket online” option for anyone with a ticket. Before you can pay for a ticket, you must confirm the traffic violation. This is particularly necessary with red light tickets because often, the person behind the wheel isn’t in the picture.
Augusta Traffic Cameras Save Lives
While red light cameras may be frustrating, they have a similar purpose to traffic cameras. They are both intended to save the lives of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Take advantage of traffic cameras, and be aware that red light cameras may be in Augusta soon.
Contact the Augusta Car Accident lawyers from Nicholson & Revell, LLP for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Nicholson & Revell, LLP to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Augusta, GA today.
