I will never forget the day on South Pearl Street when a family’s gathering turned into an unimaginable nightmare. A young boy was struck and killed by a speeding car, devastating his family and shaking our community to its core.
Tragedies like that one in 2013 are why I have long supported lowering speed limits in high-risk areas: We have to protect Albany’s residents. Prevention, not memorialization, must remain our focus.
Today, we’ve heard the message from the community: Traffic safety remains a deep concern in our city. As city auditor, I see the data and hear the stories. The dangers posed by speeding vehicles are undeniable and the consequences are often tragic. A comprehensive approach to public safety, which includes speed limits, speed cameras, road calming and striping, signage and public education, is essential for keeping our community safe, particularly our most vulnerable pedestrians — children.
Research from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health shows that speed cameras are among the most cost-effective public safety tools, saving both money and lives. A similar analysis by the state Department of Transportation showed that speed cameras have reduced pedestrian fatalities and injuries across the state.
Speed cameras also reduce medical costs due to injuries, as well as expenses related to police, fire and emergency services. The evidence-based nature of speed camera tickets, which rely on video footage, makes them harder to contest, reducing court costs.
In school zones, where children walk, bike, and play, the stakes are even higher. Children are often less visible and more unpredictable than adults. And a vehicle traveling at 20 mph has a far better chance of stopping in time to avoid a collision than one going 40 mph.
In Albany, speed cameras issue tickets only to drivers exceeding 30 mph in school zones, targeting the most dangerous behavior. Combined with lower speed limits, these measures ensure greater safety for our children.
Opponents of speed cameras have argued they are intrusive or unfair. Some claim they are simply revenue generators, not safety measures. But let’s be clear: The purpose of these cameras is not to punish but to prevent. If no one speeds, no tickets are issued. It’s as simple as that.
Moreover, speed cameras provide an equitable solution to traffic enforcement. Traditional methods, which rely on the police to catch speeders, are limited by resources. Automated speed cameras operate without bias, ensuring every driver is held to the same standard, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
The presence of speed cameras, along with lowered speed limits in high-risk areas, sends a clear message: Our city prioritizes the safety of its residents, especially children. It tells parents that we are doing everything we can to ensure their kids can walk to school safely.
When it comes to the safety of our residents, there is no compromise.
Dorcey Applyrs is Albany’s chief city auditor and a candidate for mayor.
