New York City Cabs Could Get Cameras in Accident-Curbing Plan

New York City plans to install digital cameras on the outside of cabs in an effort to detect reckless driving and deter auto accidents. But a taxi drivers’ advocacy group says the technology would invade cabbies’ privacy.

Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Matthew Daus tells the Daily News that the pilot program could lower auto insurance costs and save lives. Some cabs already have cameras that record the interior of the vehicle. The cameras in the new pilot program would be on the outside of taxis.

Taxi Workers Alliance President Bharavi Desai called the cameras “intrusive.” The alliance is an advocacy group that represents about one-fifth of the city’s 44,000 licensed taxi drivers.

The Committee for Taxi Safety says the program should be voluntary because of its potential cost.

___

Information from: Daily News