Big brother is watching in Siouxland - Traffic Cameras, Cha-ching!

Busy week ahead

There is so much to report on that I can already sense that it's going to be a very busy week. The first news item is happening in Sioux City, Iowa. City officials spent $2 million installing 26 traffic cameras at the busiest intersections around the city. This should make the lawyers and judges happy because when it comes to car accidents a picture is worth a thousand words. Sweet!

The cameras will not only help emergency responders in an accident situation. Officials say they'll also be a big help for everyday drivers. "As they're making decisions about where they want to drive, they have the best information possible," said Jackson. "When we advise no travel, this is going to give the opportunity to actually go online and take a look," Brown said. Keeping drivers out of harm's way.

Lawyers need to subpoena the recordings to know what really happened. Video is available.  DOT: Traffic cameras could cut response time, save lives from KTIV, Siouxland News Channel

The DOT's still working some bugs out of the system, but hopes to have it up and running for Woodbury County officials in the next month or so. You at home, should be able to view them online by February or March. Similar systems are also being used in Des Moines, Davenport, Council Bluffs, and Iowa City.