Can traffic cameras still take photos when traffic lights are out of power?
3 Answers
Traffic cameras cannot take photos when traffic lights are out of power, as the normal operation of cameras requires electricity. Daily driving precautions are as follows: Develop the habit of fastening seat belts: The importance of seat belts for driving safety is self-evident, and many bloody examples have warned that seat belts must be fastened when entering the vehicle. However, there are always some people who feel that seat belts restrict their movement space or even find them uncomfortable and choose not to wear them. Ensure that car doors are properly closed: Sometimes, car doors may not be closed tightly; and once an accident occurs, loosely closed doors may lead to fatal consequences. If you are not sure whether the door is closed tightly, do not hesitate to open it and close it firmly again. For vehicles equipped with a door ajar warning function, pay attention to whether there is an alarm sound or whether the warning light on the dashboard is illuminated.
When traffic lights lose power, cameras can usually still take photos, which is a good question. The camera systems are generally independently powered. A friend of mine who knows about camera maintenance told me that many city cameras are supported by built-in batteries or solar panels, and even backup generators. Traffic light outages usually only affect the signals themselves, but cameras often have separate power systems to capture violations. A real-life example is a local traffic light malfunction last year where cameras still flashed to capture speeding cars. My advice is, if you encounter this situation, don’t assume the cameras are also down and recklessly run the light—that increases accident risks. Overall, cameras are designed intelligently to handle power outages and ensure traffic rules aren’t disrupted.
As a seasoned driver, I've been behind the wheel for many years and have witnessed several instances where traffic lights lost power but the cameras remained operational. Most traffic cameras have their own power supply, such as dedicated circuits or small batteries, so they can continue flashing and capturing images even when the traffic lights are down. I remember the last time I passed through a malfunctioning intersection—the red light was out, but the camera still flashed. This design is quite good because the independent operation of cameras prevents people from taking advantage of the situation and causing trouble. However, when traffic lights lose power, drivers should be extra cautious, slowing down and carefully observing the intersection to ensure safety. Overall, the higher reliability of cameras is a positive thing, helping to maintain better driving standards.
