Infrared Scans for DC Drivers
October 4th, 2007Full throttle absurdity.
Via: Washington Post:
Are drivers ready to be scanned like groceries at the supermarket?
The answer will help determine whether Washington area commuters use a planned network of high-occupancy and toll lanes, which will start to take shape next year when an expansion of the Capital Beltway is to begin.
The lanes are billed as the salvation of the suffering commuter. Solo drivers will be able to buy their way around congestion, while carpoolers will ride free. But the lanes’ success hinges on finding a way to differentiate between paying and nonpaying customers without stopping every vehicle to count heads.
The private companies that will build and operate the Beltway lanes have proposed using technology that would scan drivers and passengers with bursts of infrared light that detect human skin. The technology is so sophisticated that it can distinguish human faces from decoy dummies and shotgun-riding dogs, according to Ken Daley, a senior vice president at toll road operator Transurban, one of two private companies behind the Beltway project.
Improving the Beltway in Washington, D.C? By adding more lanes? Infrared cameras? My gawd, the urban traffic management planners for the Metro area were just sent a ca-ca thought cake vias vie mental express from me for their utter stupidity.
There are already HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes) that are scammed by “lone wolves” itching to dare the cops to catch them. One lone pickup driver flipped us the bird when we tried to nudge him out of the HOV lane. He crawled along, HOPING FOR A FIGHT. That’s just one example I can think of. There is a LOT OF ROAD RAGE IN D.C. and its no nucking wonder.
There are about 40 miles of 5, 6, or 7 lanes of traffic that lead to the Beltway. Then there are 8 or more lanes on each side of the Beltway before it splits into 95 north or south.
And how many people do you think are in all of those cars? 1. One. One. In my mind, driving alone, or driving at all in the D.C. area should be considered a crime. I cannot, and do not even want to imagine the turmoil that Peak Oil will bring to those living in this area.
The train system in D.C. – the Metro – is excellent. You can get off of a plane, get on the Metro and go very far. But the trains are crowded (duh); you have to park your car to ride it, (unless your destination is in the city) and it has an early shutdown time. Someone needs to shake the people whose plan – rather than improve the Metro – is to expand the Beltway. How many times must I invoke jesus, mary and joseph in the hope that common sense comes to someone with half a head in urban planning?
I lived in Washington, D.C. proper and other suburbs in the D.C. area in the early 70’s when they were building the Metro. I went through the gas rationing scenario – but I drove a VW Beetle so it didn’t bother me much. I decided to leave the area when traveling to my wait table job took me exactly one half hour to drive 1.5 miles in rush hour traffic. I could have used a bike to get there in ten – but then I’d be dead now if I had tried.
I have very fond memories (and some painful ones too – my sister lived and died there at an early age)re Washington, D.C. It is a beautiful city, with many parks and trees – it is also one of the most international places on U.S. soil. All of the embassies, universities, etc.- the diversity of culture is the fullest I’ve experienced in my lifetime. I also applied for my first passport when my bartender friend from Afghanistan wanted to take me there. We used to meet at the Library of Congress on Sundays just to look at the books.
Ejaz! Where are you??
It’s a shame that the cultural experience – the melting pot of America that could be improved and maybe EVEN ENJOYED by “sharing a ride” in DC is being watered down into nothingness by all of the Beltway go it alone bullshit. But no worry. It’s 88 nucking degrees here today in Pittsburgh, and we are north of the D.C. swamp. And all of our cars have no nucking thing to do with the heat. Nothing. Right. Like I don’t need toilet paper.