In today’s world, technology is transforming how traffic laws are enforced, but it isn’t always beneficial for drivers. Traffic cameras, red-light cameras, and automatic ticketing systems are becoming increasingly common, encouraging some to slow down on the road. Still, unthinking and unfeeling robots are not always the best judges of circumstances, and many people are finding themselves with driving citations without the ability to plead their case to an officer. Even if you feel you are a safe and responsible driver, this new tech may lead to a disastrous increase in your insurance premiums if you aren’t careful.
The Growing Dangers on the Road: Cameras and Automatic Systems
Florida has seen a significant increase in traffic cameras installed across major population centers. Officials strategically place these cameras at intersections and busy roads to monitor traffic flow and catch as many violations as possible. The goal is to reduce accidents and ensure drivers adhere to traffic laws, but the constant surveillance can also feel overwhelming.
Traffic cameras use sensors to detect when a vehicle makes an illegal turn, runs a red light, or barrels through an intersection at high speeds. When sensors detect an infraction, the camera captures photographic proof and uses this evidence to automatically issue a citation to the car’s registered owner. This process often happens without any direct police intervention, raising concerns about the accuracy and fairness of these automated systems.
Knowing you are constantly being watched can change how you drive, making drivers more cautious. However, it can also lead to increased stress on the road, as a single mistake can result in a costly ticket. Moreover, many critics argue that they invade privacy and may not always detect violations accurately. Regardless of where you fall on the issue, it looks like these systems will be a part of our future for years to come.
Traffic Laws, Violations, and Car Insurance Premiums
Having to pay a fine isn’t the last of your issues if an automatic system cites you on the road. Insurance companies consider various factors when deciding premium costs, such as your driving record, age, vehicle type, and location. One key factor that can’t be overlooked is traffic violations, including those caught by automated systems like red-light cameras.
Violations of traffic laws signal to insurance companies that their policyholder may be a risky driver. A red-light violation is considered severe because it increases the likelihood of an accident the insurance company must cover. As a result, they adjust your premiums to reflect this increased risk.
While some drivers might think that tickets from automated systems are less impactful than those issued by police officers, insurers treat them the same way. Whether a camera or an officer issues a ticket, it shows up on your driving record. The rationale is straightforward: a violation is a violation, regardless of how it was detected. In fact, there is an argument to be made that automatic systems capture instances of risky driving on the road that police are not always present to catch and punish.
If a citation has led to increased premiums, one effective strategy to lower your monthly payment is attending traffic school. Localities offer traffic schools as an option to reduce or dismiss the ticket in some cases, and you can take advantage of this to keep citations off your permanent record. You can also contest the ticket if you believe it was issued incorrectly. While this can be a lengthy process, successfully challenging a ticket can prevent it from affecting your insurance rates.
Looking ahead, it’s safe to say that these systems will become even more sophisticated. This means that the chances of getting caught for violations will likely increase, and you need to learn how to live with them and mitigate their adverse effects.
If your insurance premiums look too high for your liking, it may be time to swap to a new provider or find a better policy for your situation. Contact Anderson & Associates Insurance Group today to speak to one of our agents and learn how we can help you secure the perfect car insurance policy.
