The Great Chicago Speed Camera Caper: How Many Menace-Machines are Out There?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and an uncanny ability to make you feel like you're constantly one wrong turn away from a speed camera flash. But hey, how many of those revenue-generating robots in disguise are actually out there? Buckle up, because we're about to dive down this rabbit hole (though hopefully not at a speed that'll trigger a ticket).
The Official Headcount: Not-So-Secret Agents
The good folks at the City of Chicago, bless their transparent hearts, actually publish a list of these delightful devices [dramatic music]. You can visit their website, and with a few clicks, be greeted by a glorious map littered with red dots – each one a symbol of potential financial pain. But here's the thing: nobody likes counting red dots on a screen, especially when they could be counting sheep for a much-needed nap after navigating Chicago traffic.
Fear not, intrepid travelers! We've done the dirty work (well, metaphorically speaking) and according to the latest update (as of March 21st, 2024, to be precise), there's a network of somewhere around... drumroll please... hundreds of these speed cameras scattered across the city.
Hundreds? You said hundreds?!
Yes, sir, yes we did. But here's the beauty of the situation (or lack thereof, depending on your perspective): the exact number is a bit of a moving target. New cameras get added, some get relocated, and others might even take a permanent dirt nap (due to malfunctions, not necessarily James Bond-style interventions).
So, what's a speed-conscious driver to do?
Here are your options, presented in ascending order of paranoia:
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Embrace the Inner Law-Abiding Citizen: Just follow the speed limit. It's a radical concept, we know, but it works wonders for avoiding tickets.
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Become a Speed Camera Sherlock: Invest in a good radar detector (check the legality in your area first) or download a traffic app that warns you about camera locations. There's knowledge, and then there's being a prepared participant in the game of cat and mouse (or should we say, car and camera?).
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Develop X-Ray Vision (Not Recommended): While this might sound tempting, it's firmly in the realm of science fiction (for now). Also, focusing on the road might be a better use of your ocular superpowers.
The Final Word (for Now)
Remember, folks, these cameras are there for a reason: to keep our streets safe. But a little awareness goes a long way. So, stay vigilant, Chicago drivers, and remember – knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding a speeding ticket (and the potential dent in your wallet). Drive safe, and watch out for those sneaky speed cameras!
