On May 5, 2009, Montana became the thirteenth state in America to place a ban on automated traffic and speeding ticket devices, and while it will most likely thrill residents of the Big Sky state, it might also mean Montana will see an increase in car accidents.

Our car accident attorneys believe that government agencies put devices, like cameras, on roadways to lower the amount of car crashes that happen from negligent driving.  Those measures prevent some of the thousands of car accidents that cause personal injury or wrongful death every year.

Now there is another state that has taken away a financial nuisance for its citizens, but put them at greater risk of being involved in an automobile accident.  But while Montana has passed legislation that prohibits photo enforcement, other states have their own versions:

Arkansas

Use of a police photo radar gun is authorized by state law only if the officer personally delivers the ticket at the time of the violation.  This only allows photography to be used in conjunction with a traditional traffic stop and serves as an “unconditional ban” an on automated enforcement.

Utah

Utah’s legislature has an “effective ban” on photo enforcement because it has placed so many limitations on the use of photo radar guns.  The Beehive State prohibits the outsourcing of the ticketing process to private companies in hopes that no city uses speed cameras.

Florida

Florida is excluded from the list of 13 states because the state authorities turn a blind eye to the law that makes photo enforcement illegal, hoping that they will not be sued before the legislature retroactively approves their use of photo ticketing.

As automobile accident attorneys, we are concerned that this could mean these states and the other eleven are going to see an increase in auto accident statistics within their borders.

While drivers can get behind the wheel—worry free of getting a ticket from a speeding camera—how safe are they from getting into a car accident due to negligent driving?  Reckless drivers tend to cause more car crashes, meaning that with the freedom to speed on the road, they could create worse car accidents, with severe personal injuries or wrongful deaths.

Which would you rather pay: a small traffic ticket or the ultimate price for a fatal car accident?

Please contact us for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney — we speak both English and Spanish — at (800) 655-6585.  Click here and you may also submit your case for a Free Review.  No fee if no recovery.