Shh Louisiana, ‘Noise Cameras’ Could Be Coming to a Road Near You

When you drive in Louisiana you have to be on your game all the time. If the teens texting and driving on their way to class at LSU or the University of Louisiana don't scare you then the occasional half of a house being hauled down the roadway just might. And if that fails to get your blood pressure up you can always count on a crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to really make you wish you had "gone before you left the house".

Actually, the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is a pretty good place to begin the story of what could be the latest technological assault against drivers in Louisiana. Let's face it, we all know it's "still breaking the law" even if no one is watching but putting up automated devices to catch us in our moments of weakness, is that really what our world is coming to?

You probably recall there was significant movement on a plan to put automated speed cameras on the I-10 Basin Bridge. That plan has since fizzled out. I am not sure if the people raised enough of a stink or lawmakers ran out of money, but it doesn't look as if automated speed cameras will be installed anytime soon.

Louisiana Are You Ready For Automated Sound Cameras?

Speed cameras use video and motion sensing technology to determine how fast a vehicle approaching the camera is traveling. The "computer" notes the speed and tag number and if necessary sends the data to the law enforcement agency in charge and a citation is written.

Noise "cameras" would do essentially the same thing. The exception is that the technology on board calculates the amount of noise coming from the vehicle. That noise could be in the form of a really loud exhaust system, a broken exhaust system, or the desire of the driver to play their music so loud people in other countries can hear it.

This probably wouldn't work in a highway or Interstate scenario but I know of several towns in Louisiana that would love to have things quieter on their city streets. The technology is already being used in the United Kingdom.

Health experts agree that loud noises are not good for humans. The heavy beat or bass line from a song can contribute to heart attacks and strokes, and some studies suggest dementia. Lord knows the boom boom boom can make it hard to sleep.

So, there is a need to curtail excessive sound, but is this the correct solution to that problem? As of now, there are no plans that we have been made aware of to install "sound cameras" in Louisiana.

But the legislature is going into a special session and they need money, so don't be surprised. And if they get to squawking too loud about needing more of your tax dollars, you can just turn the radio up, right?