“It is hard to believe that prosecuting more and more people every year is the best way of securing a good-tempered community that accepts codes of conduct designed for everyone’s safety and convenience” (Professor Jackson)
The above quotation comes from a book I have been reading over the Christmas break entitled “Road Accidents; Prevent or Punish” by the late J J Leeming. It was originally published in 1969 and reprinted in 2007 thanks to the efforts of the Association of British Drivers.
The sad thing is that this book hardly required any revision. It is as relevant today as it was way back then, around the time when I passed my driving test.
The belief that the motorist is responsible for all accidents has not changed. Politicians still assert that ‘legal engineering’ as opposed to accident investigation and civil engineering will prevent accidents. Sorry chaps; according to all the data collected in the past 40 years, however hard you try to manipulate the statistics, speed cameras and traffic cameras do not save lives.
Getting the priorities right between Engineering, Education, and Enforcement should be the order of the day as opposed to Lies, Lethargy and Laws.
The recent, widely reported, tragic accident in the early hours of New Year’s Day resulted in the usual misinformed demands for more speed cameras. If local residents are to be believed then this is the site of frequent accidents. Something must be wrong, but what? Can anyone be “bovvered” to find out?
If both the bus and the car collided each doing 30 mph or less, then a speed camera would not have prevented this accident. We know from the reports that the driver was 18 and had only passed his test a month previously, so he was in a high risk group. There were 5 teenagers in the car, so peer pressure and distraction may have been factors. A car with 5 occupants handles completely differently from when there is only the more normal 1 or 2. The accident happened at 06:30, so had they been up all night?
We know nothing of the road layout at the scene or the age and maintenance history of the vehicle. Both of these could be contributory factors.
We are so bombarded by negative, prohibitive legislation that it is a great relief when you come across some positive guidance to motorists. A fellow campaigner, Paul Smith along with Ollie Mishcon (Judge Tread of the Sunday Mirror) published the 100 Word Highway Code. Follow this and you can’t go wrong:
Drive on the left. Make sure you can see and be seen. Keep a constant look out all around. Be aware of signs and regulations and why they are there. Be predictable.
Recognise and anticipate danger and keep clear space from it. Always ensure that you can stop within the distance that you know is clear. Develop your skills.
Give courtesy, co-operation and space to others. Don’t obstruct them.
Never take risks, drive unfit or compete with others.
Safety is paramount and far more important than priority. Take personal responsibility for your safety and the safety of those nearby.
Enjoy.
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