Study: Red Light Cameras Increase Crashes

Here’s some interesting news I kind of saw coming. Where I live, some traffic lights are equipped with Red Light Cameras. These cameras automatically photograph the license plate of drivers who run the red light. This seems like a great idea, but perhaps not.

These Red Light Camera equipped intersections have signs warning drivers of the camera’s presence. The general idea is this: Drivers are more careful to avoid running the red light. And, if they do…. a camera snaps their license plate and the image is sent to a server. This license plate’s text (letters and numbers) is extracted from the image using some combination of human reading, and automated optical recognition (a computer extracts characters using optical algorithms). Then… the owner of the vehicle receives a Traffic Ticket in the mail for their red light offense. Cha-ching!

Seems like a good idea because red lights are less often run, right? And, red light accidents also occur less often, right?

A recent study by the University Of South Florida College Of Public Health shows that red light cameras actually increase the number of red light accidents, and their severity. Why? Because drivers are more likely to slam on their breaks to avoid running a yellow light. I also imagine in some cases drivers are more likely to speed way up, to avoid running the red light.

So, these cameras cause an interesting phenomenon: This system of automatic red light ticketing causes people to artificially increase the importance not being in the intersection when the light turns red. I say “artificially”, because the most significant real-life priority is to avoid accidents. But, the presence of these cameras causes people to shut off the real-life priority (avoid accidents) and ignore their real-life situations (other drivers in their vicinity)…. all to avoid running the red light.

I consider cell phone related accidents very similar in nature. Drivers talking on cell phones more likely ignore their surroundings because they’ve artificially increased the importance of something else: their cell phone. This is why areas have started banning cell phone usage while driving.

Some areas, such as Florida, are now banning these red light cameras. And as reality shows, I think these cameras should be banned. But these cameras are widely used, and some areas earn sizable profits via this automated ticketing scheme. San Diego, in particular, has made $30 million in 18 months. Hopefully governments will make the right choice, and forgo the easy money – It just doesn’t seem right to profit by harming people, especially your own citizens. Right?

Toms Hardware: Red Light Cameras Increase Crashes And Insurance Rates – Study

Here’s the full study: Red Light Running Cameras: Would Crashes, Injuries and Automobile Insurance Rates Increase If They Are Used in Florida?

Aptera Update + Video

The folks over at Popular Mechanics were able to finagle an exclusive test drive and interview of the upcoming Aptera Typ-1. For those uninitiated, the Aptera Typ-1 is an all-electric plug in vehicle coming to market in 2009 for under $30,000. Sometime thereafter, Aptera plans to market the Typ-2, a 300 MPG gasoline hybrid which shares the Typ-1′s body and features.

The more I keep up with this car, the more I believe this is the first real re-thinking of the automobile since its inception. I know this sounds a little over the top, but the Typ-1′s design is what I consider truly clean and innovative. In fact, I think if this car achieves satisfactory adoption, the rest of the auto industry could very well be shaken up. And that, in my opinion, is a very good thing when the status quo of auto makers today is entrenched in the production larger and larger oil belching monsters.

Looking at the 1907 Ford Model T and today’s 2007 Ford Explorer, I see similarity. Now, when I compare the Aptera Typ-1 and the 2007 Ford Explorer, I see much less similarity. And not just at first glance. Overall, the Aptera really is superbly different and better.

One interesting comparison: The Ford Model T got 13 to 21 MPG. The Ford Explorer gets 13 and 20 MPG. Hmm… maybe not all that much has changed at Ford.

Which bring us back to the Aptera, a true rethinking of what a car should be. The frame, for example, borrows heavily from the design of boats and planes, where space and weight are at a premium. The Typ-1′s suspension has been lifted from the pinnacle in automobile design: Formula 1. And, the typically boring act of ingress and egress has been improved with swing up doors (as seen on supercars). The driveability is very good, with stable yet responsive handling and strong acceleration. Visibility is also outstanding. The climate control system is a complete rethinking, which uses one heat pump for both cooling and heating.

Since Aptera was able to step back and design a truly revolutionary car, they went all out. Roof-based solar panels provide power and continual cooling, so the car’s interior always remains cool even when the car is powered off. Interior electronics are as impressive as they are functional. Standard fare 1900s-era dashboard gauges have been replaced with video screens showing vital stats and a 180 degree reward view. Traditional center-console old tymey knobs and levers have been replaced with a modern touch screen monitor.

Overall, this really is a massively clean slate design, where weight and aerodynamics have been drastically improved. The body and frame assembly appears to be very safe and solid, and weighs in at a very light 1480 pounds (A Honda Civic weighs rougly twice as much). So, the Typ-1′s 1480 pounds is very light by todays standard, but it’s highly advanced composite frame should provide more than adequate crash protection. And, the aerodynamic coefficient of drag is a mind-boggling 0.11.

The only possible semi-gripe I have is the limited seating: two adults plus one child. In truth, this is really not all that bad and should provide adequate human transportation capacity for many people. If/when the Typ-1 and Typ-2 really start selling, Aptera has a five-seater in the works. And I certainly do hope that both the Typ-1 and Typ-2 take off. Once they do, Aptera’s five seater could complete the auto industry shake-up thus forcing major auto manufactures to deliver truly revolutionary transportation for the future of mankind and our planet.

But, it all comes back to people. I think people voting with their pocket books is what’s required to pave the way for even more radical designs, with further decrease in weight and improvements in efficiency.

Here is the Popular Mechanics exclusive video, which includes their test drive, interview and analysis.

For my previous Aptera thoughts, please see: Aptera’s Sub-$30K, 300 Mpg Car and The Future of Cars.

150 MPG Toyota Prius

Since I have been writing a rash of car-related posts (Aptera’s 300 Mpg Car, Future Of Cars) this entry seems like a good continuation.

In the first quarter of 2008, A123 Systems and Hymotion plan to market a $9500 USD add-on for the Toyota Prius. This cost, which includes installation, is expected to increase your Prius’ fuel economy to 150 MPG in the city. Pretty dang impressive! If it works reliably and safely: I do have some minor qualms about installing a massive lithium ion battery in my car. I’m not saying the “massive lithium battery in the trunk” idea is completely bad… I just don’t want to Beta test or even production test that.

Also, please be aware that this fuel economy increase incurs the additional cost of electricity to recharge this battery. That’s right, when you park your Prius you will need to plug your car into an electrical extension cord to recharge this additional battery.

For more information and a Video of the Hymotion-equipped Prius.

Aptera’s Sub-$30K, 300 Mpg Car Will Be Here In 2009

This is a brief update to a post I made a while back (The Future Of Cars)

Aptera has released an update on it’s upcoming 300 Mpg car. This car really approaches transportation from a very different vantage than does the rest of the auto industry. This car is slated to sell for $30,000 USD, and offers room for two. Here is a brief overview:

” Carlsbad (CA) – Today, a California car maker named Aptera Motors officially took the wraps off of two new car models which offer crazy fuel economy. The first model will arrive in Q4 2008 as an all-electric vehicle with a maximum range of 120 miles priced below $30,000. A true fuel-electric hybrid model will follow in 2009. Early tests indicate the hybrid model achieves 300 miles per gallon, making an affordable gas sipper within budget for many American families.

Designed to be as aerodynamic as possible for two-person occupancy, the radical new shell design looks more like something out of Blade Runner than a traditional automobile. The “Typ-1″ (sic) uses light-weight composite material for its construction, while maintaining the “two plus one” seating configuration, allowing for a child up to age 3 to be placed in the middle behind the two primary occupants. Additional cargo storage area allows for up to 15 bags of groceries, two bags of golf clubs, or even two seven foot surfboards (if the child’s seat is removed). “

If you are interested, check out Aptera’s update.

Here is a YouTube on the Aptera.

Here is the official site for Aptera.

The Future Of Cars

This post is a bit off of my normal topics, but I think it’s something important that people should be discussing. I’ll really try not to get too political, so here goes. We’ve all seen gas prices climb up to (and in many areas above) $3 USD per gallon of gasoline. We’ve also seen war, chaos, pain and turmoil going on the Middle East and elsewhere. While there is obviously some connection between the current price of gas and war, terror and fear, that’s not exactly the connection I want to voice.

While many of us (yes, I’m an American) do not have much of an immediate say in when we deescalate our involvement in wars, or how handle terror/fear, we still can take some action now. The action I propose: more efficient cars. When I say more efficient, I don’t mean a car that weighs twice as much and gets twice the fuel economy per pound.. because this car burns the same amount of gas (even though by definition it’s twice as fuel efficient). When I say more efficient, I mean something more like: a car that weighs half (or even a quarter) and gets twice, three times, or even 10 times overall improvement in fuel economy.

You might think that halving the weight of your vehicle is difficult, it’s actually pretty easy. Consider that a 2008 Honda Civic weighs under 3,000 lbs. A 2008 Ford Expedition weighs nearly 6,000 lbs. (Please correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems Ford has developed a conscious and no longer displays the weight of the Expedition) Also, please consider that an Expedition does not have twice the interior volume of a Civic. Granted an expedition tows significantly more than a Civic, but… how many Expeditions do you actually see towing things? Sure, I see one here and there, maybe once or twice a month. My point: If people really wanted to drive small cars as their daily transportation, and keep their 6,000+ lb rig around to tow boats, then they could do. Again, no judgments here. I am not saying all people should junk their large SUVs. What I am trying to say is people who are willing to take that first step, consider demoting their SUV to boat-pulling status and pick up a much smaller daily transportation. I’m also attempting to say that we (people in general) need to make a concerted effort at acquiring and driving smaller cars on a daily basis. Only then, will we be taking personal action.

Please note that even small cars have been getting bigger. This is actually pretty standard in the auto industry. Given any line of car (i.e. Civic, Expedition, etc) each model typically see a slight increase in size, power, luxury, etc. And, new models do typically get more fuel efficient. But, this efficiency is typically offset by an increase in weight. Case in point the Honda Civic:

So, even the small cars are getting bigger. Hmmm… The Civic has gained over 1,000 lbs in the last 30 years. Granted the latest Civic is much bigger, luxurious, and faster. But that’s my point. Our cars continually increase in size. And, there are more cars on the road. And, there is more pollution in the air, water and land. Our increased use of gas has direct consequences to America’s (and other nations) middle East interests (i.e. OIL) , and IMHO plays a significant part in the current Middle East wars, our talk of Terror, and the growing base of people wanting to wage war against us. All this because we consumers want: bigger, more luxurious, and faster cars.

Side note: You could argue that newer cars have stronger bodies which better protect the occupants during a crash, but this is actually twisted logic. Some of this safeness is due to modern engineering, and the rest is due to sheer girth. And, modern (safety) engineering can be readily applied to small cars too! Sheer girth is actually pretty bad, as it burns more gas and more likely injures/kills occupants in smaller cars during a collision. So, the pro-girth argument causes people to buy the bigger (or biggest) vehicle they can afford (sort of a Demolition Derby mentality).

So, our hope for humanity, and the well being of our planet, in part hinges on our ability to downside our cars. But, no need to fear because I think it’s actually gonna be a whole lot of fun. Without further ado, here is something akin to the Future of Cars:

Aptera Typ-1 300 MPG Hybrid