Traffic cams play an increasing role in analyzing traffic accidents today. These devices are actual video cameras placed along highways, freeways and other major thoroughfares and connected with fiber optics.
A monitoring center receives live video feed in real time and can act as a dispatcher if an accident or safety issue is detected. For those who are techno savvy you can even watch individual frames from the traffic cam that are posted to the internet every few moments.
Traffic cams are separate from road safety - or traffic enforcement - cameras. detect traffic regulation violations such as speeding, vehicles going through a red traffic light, and unauthorized use of a bus lane.
These devices are designed to enforce traffic laws and can take still photos of individual cars (and their license plates) at a much higher resolution than a traffic cam. Traffic tickets may be issued based on the pictures from a safety camera - and difficult to dispute since its 'on tape' (so to speak).
A third type of traffic cam is the Online Traffic Cameras. These are actually linked to a website that allows the public to view real time traffic conditions. However, they usually refresh every sixty seconds - look for them on government websites.
Of course these devices are not without their vociferous detractors. Civil rights groups liken it to the age of 'Big Brother' watching while others consider it an invasion of privacy.
Finally, these cameras give the appearance of nothing more than a new source of revenue collection for local, state and federal municipalities.
However, anytime something serves to make our Houston streets safer, i am for it.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston auto accident attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner firm, which is dedicated to helping victims of auto accidents in Houston seek civil justice.
