LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Would red light and speed enforcement cameras make Nevada roadways safer? That is the debate at the state capitol. A bill is now looking to legalize them in our state.
“We are here because 3,335 people have lost their lives on Nevada roadways in the last decade. That is nearly one person every single day for a decade,” reported Andrew Bennett, Chairman of the Nevada Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety. Proponents of SB 415 say things in Nevada must change. They want to follow the lead of 33 states and 350 communities in the US who currently use traffic enforcement cameras.
“If I’m going to be frank with you, I’m actually surprised that I’m sitting in front of you today testifying in support of this bill. Quite frankly, I’m not a proponent of big government,” explained Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill during a hearing in Carson City on Monday. McMahill says death after death on Nevada’s roads has changed his point of view.
“I’m sick and tired of people dying on our roadways because of the bad behavior of other drivers…just last night, 2:00 in the morning, a driver runs a red-light speeding, kills the individual, and leaves the scene,” McMahill recounted to lawmakers. McMahill argues adding cameras would save lives, maybe even those of his own children.
“I worry more about them leaving my house and being killed because of the bad behavior of another driver than I worry about any other aspect of what happens in their daily life,” McMahill revealed.
The bill allows red light and speed cameras only in high-crash areas, but opponents say that’s typically low-income communities. “These tickets will overwhelming be issued to Nevadans who can least afford them,” contended Paloma Guerrero, representing Public Defenders of both Clark and Washoe Counties. Tickets could be up to $100 but a bigger concern for some is privacy as the cameras would be rolling 24/7.
Janine Hansen, State Chairman of the Independent American Party stated, “Our major problem with this, is that it violates the Constitution and due process… we do not usually agree with the ACLU…we appreciate their concern about privacy.”
Opponents also expressed concern yellow light times could be shortened which has been that case in some cities who made money off red light tickets. Those supporting the bill testified it would not be allowed to happen in Nevada. Money raised from the tickets would go toward more cameras or traffic programs.
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