Whether you have a driver’s license or not, we all know the importance of safety when it comes to driving on the roadways. This is one of the many reasons that we have so many driving deterrents around such as stop signs, stop lights, yield signs, etc.. The main function of these things is to deter drivers from engaging in reckless behavior, which could result in one or more people being hurt and/or killed. However, would the roadways be just as safe if we didn’t have these deterrents in place?

Deterrent Versus Distraction

For example, in North Carolina, many cities have adopted the idea of having “red light cameras” posted at various problem intersections with the hopes that it will deter drivers from running the red light. This is not something that is limited to North Carolina, however. In fact, many cities around the United States have adopted the red light camera policy. The idea is that once a vehicle crosses the intersection at a certain point after the light has turned red, the camera automatically snaps several pictures of their vehicle (specifically their license plate). The photos, along with a fine are then mailed to address of whoever is registered to the car. It’s like getting caught….red-handed.

Sounds great, right? Well, lately, there have been some problems with this simple idea. People, who don’t want to get a ticket for running the light, but who see the light changing to yellow often can’t seem to make up their minds whether to accelerate or slam on their brakes. The result has led to a considerable number of accidents at these very same problem intersections! Now, some might say that this is due to the fact that people are simply not leaving enough distance between them and the person in front of them- but the question still remains, are we just becoming worse drivers? or Are these deterrents dangerous?

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