Flock surveillance cameras can pose a crash risk for drivers, US experts say
Summary
Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras are installed close to roads in ways that may pose risks to drivers. Safety experts say these camera poles often lack important safety features designed to reduce damage and injury in crashes, and many do not meet state or federal road safety rules.Key Facts
- Flock Safety installs black metal poles with cameras and solar panels near roads to read license plates and capture vehicle details.
- These cameras are located close to the edge of roads, sometimes less than the required 8 feet distance on rural roads.
- The poles often lack breakaway plates, safety features that allow the pole to break away in a crash to reduce impact.
- Ohio’s transportation department states license plate readers must be installed at least 8 feet from the road edge on uncurbed roads.
- Flock Safety claims it is responsible for installing its cameras and says they have received local approval.
- More than 80,000 Flock cameras are reportedly in use across over 6,000 U.S. communities.
- Road safety experts, including Steve Eimers, highlight that roadside devices like these must meet crash safety standards to protect drivers.
- Nationwide, crashes involving vehicles hitting fixed barriers make up 26% of vehicle deaths in 2024.
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