Should we tolerate bad behaviour in a motor car?
Watching a current affairs program recently on TV, it reported on the success of a program in New Zealand. If I recall correctly, motorists are encouraged to report any bad drivers or lawbreakers. The offending driver is placed on a database and may lose their licence if reported too many times.
Like most deliberate law-breakers, those committing offences by driving their motor cars recklessly, think they will get away with their behaviour. There are far too few police on the road to tackle this menace.
At present a violated motorist, wanting to take an incident further, must first make an official report at a police station. There must be a witness. Even if there is one, they must be prepared to appear in court, if the matter is to be prosecuted. Very few have the time and energy to go to that length.
Whilst 'dobbing' is regarded by some as 'un-Australian' (whatever that means), when it comes to saving lives on the road, or from a drug-overdose for that matter, speaking up and reporting bad behaviour must be applauded. To seek out and punish lawbreakers is the best way to eliminate crime on the road (and everywhere else).
I have suggested a system, similar to the New Zealand model, some time ago. Here is how it works:
1. Only a selected, registered group of motorists report bad drivers. They are volunteers, who spent a lot of time on the road e.g. bus drivers, courier drivers, taxi drivers, driving instructors etc. They would need to be clearly instructed, which offenses to report. (All drivers make mistakes).
2. Three details must be reported when spotting an offending driver: Colour, Make and registration number of offending vehicle. If not all data matches official records, no action can be taken. This eliminates mistaken identity. If another person, other than the registered owner was driving, this would need to be disputed, much like at the present for traffic offences.
3. Only one offence is recorded from a registered spotter against a driver.
4. No action is taken for first offence. This is to eliminate using this system to settle a grudge with a sour neighbour etc.
5. After the second offence a written warning is issued. The third reported offence results in a fine, with harsher penalties (loss of licence, prison) for continuous offending.
6. Above system does not involve a court.
7. There is no possibility of offenders taking revenge. They won't know, who reported them.
To search out those drivers, who have no respect for other road users, warning them to stop their reckless behaviour, and punishing them if they refuse to do so, is the best way to make our roads safer.
Most drivers would agree, motoring should not be a nightmare to fear, but a pleasure to enjoy.
(Written by Dieter Fischer, www.driving-school.com.au revised Aug. 2010).