What Do Traffic Cameras Look Like?

In this modern world, technology is continuing to advance at a fast pace. Nowadays, people have been wondering about the physical differences of various cameras found anywhere in highways and streets. One of them is some curiosities about what do traffic cameras look like. Has anyone of you ever wondered why those cameras are there? Is it that necessary? You might think those cameras are there to punish you.

On the contrary, these cameras are of paramount importance to keep track of vehicles and citizens' safety as they wander along the streets. Knowingly, there are many types of traffic cameras, and it might be somewhat confusing to distinguish the purpose of each of them – from their features to their functions. However, being aware of what they look like can ease confusion, so that while driving, we can be entirely cautious as these non-living cops monitor and guard us on the streets.

What are Traffic Cameras in General, and What Do They Look Like?

If you're wondering what do traffic cameras look like, here' a little background. Traffic cameras are video surveillance tools that monitor vehicular traffic on the road. They look like the usual cameras you see in establishments, but their types vary based on their functions and purpose. Traffic cameras are beneficial in detecting violations and investigating accidents since captured images and videos can serve as evidence during an occurrence of untoward incidents on the road, which can be inevitable.

Traffic cameras are most likely cylindrical and long in shape. Some types are usually covered in weatherproof enclosures to protect it from humidity and natural weather. As a driver, you should also familiarize yourself and engage in knowing how to distinguish traffic cameras and how they look like, not to escape from a camera on a course of a violation, but to ensure yourself of your safety while venturing on different roads. To know each type of traffic camera and what they look like, read on!

Red Light Cameras

As its name says, these cameras are assigned in busy roads and intersections, designed to detect when a motorcycle enters a red light. When a violation is detected, the camera will capture as many images as it can on the offense process. After a few weeks, the violator will be surprised to receive an unwelcome letter from the mail!

Moreover, these cameras are controversial, so once you spot one, you will be more careful. You can tell the difference of a red light camera from other camera systems since this is usually placed in a busy intersection and can appear bulky and visible to the naked eye, while some automatic enforcement cameras appear smaller. What do traffic cameras look like if it’s a red light camera? A red light camera tends to be larger with two flashes, often installed separately. Red light cameras are usually installed on different poles within an intersection to capture images from different angles.

Speed Cameras

Speed cameras are likely the same with red light cameras, although speed cameras detect speed violations and not red-light violations. Another significant difference is that those speed cameras are placed in less populated places, unlike red light cameras, that are placed in busy and populated areas. These types of traffic cameras look like lens enclosed in bulky, weatherproof squares. An added physical feature for it to be easily spotted is its external flashes. But not all speed cameras flash visibly. Speed cameras are more modern in looks and are usually digital, compared to red light cameras. Some speed cameras appear to be yellow boxes in a large form.

Speed cameras have two types – the fixed camera and the mobile camera. A fixed type of speed camera is often placed in accident-prone areas. On the other hand, a mobile camera is used by police and detected by radar detectors.

Traffic Sensor Cameras

This type of camera is the least talked about among the variety. Aside from distinguishing based on areas where it is mounted, what do traffic cameras look like? Well, they are almost small, dome-shaped, and cylindrical, and hide in a weatherproof enclosure. These cameras are also placed high in light poles, just on top of the roadways. Their purpose is to measure traffic flow and traffic light timing. Archived videos or captured images from this camera are not in any way used in an enforcement system. Here's how to learn more about traffic cameras.

Automated Number Plate Recognition(ANPR)

These cameras are for reading and analyzing license plate numbers. The numbers on captured photos are cross-referred electronically to databases. ANPR cameras operate using infrared light spectrum so that it can still function during nighttime. If you see "spotlight" or LED clusters, you can tell that it is a type of ANPR camera.

Conclusion

Around 1.35 million people lose their lives to road accidents each year. Installing traffic cameras everywhere on roads and highways is the government's way of initiating a plan of action to prevent accidents on the road. Mindfulness of what do traffic cameras look like and knowing each of their purposes help ensure everyone's safety. Awareness is crucial, and it is a good start in preventing accidents.