The Bay SF Rolls Out Speed Cameras. Will They Make Roads Safer?
Mar 28, 2025
Dan Brekke, a KQED editor and traffic safety expert, dives into San Francisco's recent rollout of speed cameras following a staggering number of traffic fatalities. He discusses the legislative journey and privacy concerns associated with this initiative. Brekke highlights the city's pressing traffic safety issues and how data from other regions could guide improvements. He also evaluates past experiences with speed cameras and their potential to align with the Vision Zero initiative aimed at making streets safer for all.
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Vision Zero's Setback
- San Francisco's Vision Zero program, aiming for zero traffic deaths, failed in 2024 with 41 fatalities, the highest since 2007.
- This marks a concerning backslide during the Vision Zero era, prompting reflection on necessary improvements.
Quick Build Program
- San Francisco's 'quick build' program implements rapid safety changes like plastic posts and increased pedestrian crossing times.
- These interventions have shown positive results, reducing collisions and injuries by about 30% at treated intersections.
Causes of Traffic Fatalities
- Factors contributing to San Francisco's traffic fatalities include larger vehicles, reckless driving, and disregard for traffic laws.
- Jeff Tumlin highlights "aberrant social behavior" and the rise in high-speed, solo-vehicle crashes as a significant concern.