The end of speeding tickets, and that revenue for municipalities


Let's time-travel into the future. I'm beginning to think that I won't live long enough to see it, being a man who is already in his sixties, but at some point cars will be driven by computers. That is, the fallible things called human beings, who make mistakes so often that cars just crash into each other every day, especially in the area where I live, Phoenix, will no longer be behind the wheel.

And if right now you're panicking that self-driving cars will be dangerous, and crash into each other (more than cars do nowadays), I'd like to direct your attention to an even greater danger - the loss of revenue that many places rely on.

And I'm not just talking about speeding tickets, I'm talking about moving violations, illegal parking, anything that has a fine associated with it. Speaking for myself, I really don't know how expensive any particular ticket is. Every once in a while I see a dollar amount posted on, for example, a handicap spot violation, but my best guess is that this all adds up to a LOT of money. Presumably most of that money is going to line the pockets of fat cats, but there's gotta be enough left over to help fund things that communities need.

Self-driving cars will eliminate all of that revenue eventually. They won't get speeding tickets, they won't park illegally, the same way that an automatic elevator doesn't accidentally go to the fourth floor when you push the button for the twelfth floor.

If this doesn't worry you, it should. This money, which I've always considered a tax on people who are either careless, oblivious, or unlucky, will vanish. I could stagger out of a bar with a blood alcohol level so high that I would set things on fire if I sneezed, but if there was no DUI ticket, the municipality would lose out on money.

It's New Year's Eve as I write this, and I know that there will be a LOT of money being charged in fines. Humans make mistakes, sometimes drink too much, get angry, and make more mistakes. Yes, I know that computers make mistakes, but nothing compared to the average person, like me. Or am I mistaken? To err is human!

Without this steady flow of money, municipalities will have to find other ways to collect money. Yes, I mean taxes. And if you're like most of the people that I know, you feel as if you're paying too much in taxes.

While I'm sure that future generations will wonder why we let the destruction go on for so long, the more cynical ones will understand - money.

By the way, it doesn't matter how safe and sober you are tonight on the streets of Phoenix. I suggest that you stay home, and avoid the carnage. May I suggest Netflix and chill?
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