Why on Earth is this unfounded argument getting upvoted so heavily? Objectively the science says that it reduces injuries and deaths. Per the linked Cochrane systematic review of 35 studies:

Despite the methodological limitations and the variability in degree of signal to noise effect, the consistency of reported reductions in speed and crash outcomes across all studies show that speed cameras are a worthwhile intervention for reducing the number of road traffic injuries and deaths. However, whilst the the evidence base clearly demonstrates a positive direction in the effect, an overall magnitude of this effect is currently not deducible due to heterogeneity and lack of methodological rigour. More studies of a scientifically rigorous and homogenous nature are necessary, to provide the answer to the magnitude of effect.

People on the Internet will just upvote the most confidently incorrect shit as long as it has enough confidence behind it and it vaguely aligns with their preconceptions, I swear.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I think the sentiment against them stems from the fact that there are ways to reduce speeds without feeling like they're being used as a revenue stream.

Personally I like when there are warning signs saying "Speed camera in use ahead" since it has the effect of slowing down traffic and not feeling like a "gotcha" moment.

[–] TheTechnician27 -5 points 2 months ago (2 children)

It should feel like a "gotcha" moment, though, or it only properly enforces speeds near the speed camera. If you can't be certain that you're not going to run into a speed camera but you have a general understanding that they're around, you're going to be much more likely not to speed in general versus just when you see the sign telling you to slow down. The reduction in speed from the sign is still better than nothing, but it lets drivers compartmentalize where there are "safe" zones to speed, and that partly defeats the purpose.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 months ago

Hard to say. That study you linked mentions reductions in speed and crashes in the vicinity of the camera, which to me indicates that people are only slowing down because they know a camera is there. I suppose someone would have to do a study to see if speed cameras reduce speeds and crashes in areas where there aren't currently cameras, but have been in the past. Meaning that people are slowing down in areas where they think there might be cameras.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

Honestly msost people speeding are not putting anyone in any more danger than going the speed limit. They are just going the speed that feels correct for the road which is often correct for the road.