Have you noticed these little devices mounted on the cross poles of stop lights at Sioux Falls intersections? Are the cameras spying on us?

Traffic signals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and other cities often have multiple types of devices mounted above them.

26th Street and Southeastern Avenue-City Of Sioux Falls
26th Street and Southeastern Avenue-City Of Sioux Falls
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One of the most common are vehicle detection cameras that help control traffic signal timing.

Some intersections may also be equipped with red light enforcement cameras, though their use varies by jurisdiction.

These systems typically include both video cameras and high-speed cameras capable of capturing clear images of vehicles and license plates when violations occur.

Sioux Falls however doesn't use those.

Opticom System Camera-Ben Davis / City Of Sioux Falls
Opticom System Camera-Ben Davis / City Of Sioux Falls
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The little devices picture mounted on cross poles in many Sioux Falls intersections are part of an “opticom system” that controls intersections via strobe signals from emergency vehicles.

Using coded infrared transmitters mounted on emergency vehicles, the Opticom platform communicates securely with the intersection's traffic controller to request a temporary right of way when firetrucks and ambulances are responding to a call.

Opticom System Camera-Ben Davis / Canva
Opticom System Camera-Ben Davis / Canva
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So indeed they are not spying on you...they are installed to help emergency crews respond in the case of a fire, accident, etc.

9 Sioux Falls Streets Visitors Have A Hard Time Pronouncing

If you are visiting or new to Sioux Falls and trying to find your way around, chances are you really don't need to pronounce street names correctly. All you have to do is enter your destination into Google Maps and your phone will show you the way.

But what if you are trying to tell someone where your cool friend or family member lives in our fine city? Some of our streets and avenues have tricky spellings that may throw visitors for a loop when trying to sound them out.

No one is going to mess up on the big thoroughfares like Minnesota Avenue, Western Avenue, or Louise Avenue but what about these?

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis

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