Math vs. Speed Cameras

Will Foreman used the power of math to beat speeding tickets before three different judges. The tickets were automatically issued by traffic cameras. Foreman used the photographs themselves to raise a reasonable doubt as to the accuracy of the speed sensors.
The camera company, Optotraffic, uses a sensor that detects any vehicle exceeding the speed limit by 12 or more mph, then takes two photos of it for identification purposes. The photos are mailed to violators, along with a $40 ticket.

For each ticket, Mr. Foreman digitally superimposed the two photos - taken 0.363 seconds apart from a stationary point, according to an Optotraffic time stamp - creating a single photo with two images of the vehicle.

Using the vehicle’s length as a frame of reference, Mr. Foreman then measured its distance traveled in the elapsed time, allowing him to calculate the vehicle’s speed. In every case, he said, the vehicle was not traveling fast enough to get a ticket.

So far the judges have agreed.

A representative for the company that installed the cameras (and which receives a portion the fines they generate) said that the vehicles' speeds are measure before the pictures are taken. Foreman said he doubted the cars slowed that much afterward, since the pictures do not show brakes lights on. Link -via Fark

(Image credit: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

The stop light cams are based on a different definition of entering an intersection than otherwise used. You can already have entered the intersection and be clearing it when sited. but who the heck can take even a half day off work to fight a $100 ticket? Count me in for a class action lawsuit against these companies, with punitive damages.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Water-Boarding, Retributive Justice, Polygraph tests, fingerprints, DNA Evidence and Speed Radars; all inventions humanity has put far too much faith in, in order to condemn each other. But wait, that's not all, here are a few more; Sin, Crime and Free-Will.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Math vs. Speed Cameras"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More