'Oh no, the road toll is too high. "Roads won’t be safe until we can achieve zero deaths per year." "Technology will save us. As soon as self-driving cars take over, road deaths will vanish." "Lower speed limits will make roads safer. Obviously, speed cameras and strict enforcement will reduce the toll."
We’ve all heard these arguments before, haven’t we?
There’s nothing inherently wrong with these ideas. In fact, we’d love to see safer, quieter, more civilised roads where everyone gets home safely. The goal is admirable. The problem is in how we’re trying to get there.
Do speed cameras make roads safer?
Yes
No
It's complicated
The Problem With Speed Cameras
Speed cameras are often presented as the ultimate tool for reducing road deaths. The logic is simple: speeding is dangerous, so catching and penalising speeders will make everyone drive slower and safer. But here’s the catch: speed cameras are not the silver bullet they’re made out to be.
Speed Cameras: Revenue Over Safety?
Critics argue that speed cameras are less about safety and more about generating revenue. Look at where cameras are typically placed. Do you see them on high-risk, accident-prone stretches of road? Or are they hiding just over a hill or at the bottom of a slope where the speed limit suddenly changes?
If the primary goal is safety, why not invest more in driver education, better signage, and infrastructure improvements?
Do Speed Cameras Address Real Driving Risks?
Speeding is only one factor in accidents. Others include driver fatigue, distraction, impairment, and poor road conditions. Speed cameras don’t address any of these.
If a driver is tired, texting, or under the influence, it doesn’t matter if they’re driving under the speed limit. They’re still a danger.
Speed Cameras: The False Sense of Security
Speed cameras can create a false sense of security for policymakers. If the focus remains on enforcing speed limits, other critical road safety measures might be overlooked.
What Actually Makes Roads Safer?
Instead of relying heavily on speed cameras, we should focus on strategies that genuinely improve road safety:
Driver Education: Teach drivers how to handle emergencies, understand road conditions, and practice defensive driving.
Better Infrastructure: Design roads that minimise risks, like clearer signage, better lighting, and safer intersections.
Vehicle Safety Standards: Encourage the adoption of cars with advanced safety features like lane assist, automatic braking, and collision avoidance systems.
Community Engagement: Work with local communities to identify and address specific road safety issues.
Speed Camera: The Bottom Line
Speed cameras may have their place, but they’re not a comprehensive solution to road safety. Focusing solely on cameras ignores the broader picture. Roads won’t become safer until we address all the factors contributing to accidents—education, infrastructure, and smart design.
At Kashy, we believe in practical solutions. While we can’t change traffic policy, we can help you keep your car in top condition. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle, and that’s something we can all agree on.
If you’re due for a service or inspection, book with us today and find out how we’re making the roads a little safer—one car at a time.
If you have any questions about this blog post, would like a second opinion from a mechanic or would like to find an honest mechanic in Brisbane, check out Kashy here.
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