UPGRADE 'TRAFFIC OFFENCES'

'Traffic Offences' need to be upgraded

What is a minor ‘Traffic Offence?’

To get the correct message across drivers need to be re educated about the seriousness of going through red lights and stop signs

These should not be classed as minor traffic offences

WACD would like to see an immediate upgrade of ‘Traffic Offences’ that can cause death or serious injury.

These offences should be treated far more seriously than double parking or parking to close to a fire hydrant.

The Attitude that many drivers have that driving offences are not serious is reaffirmed by The Law Institute of Victoria

http://www.liv.asn.au/public/legalinfo/crime/crime-Driving

‘Driving and traffic offences are not always regarded as serious, however the consequences of being charged can be. Loss of your licence could seriously affect your way of life and may even cost you your job. It is important to consider whether to defend a charge.’ ‘Where a vehicle is detected speeding or going through a red light by a camera, the notice is sent to the owner of the vehicle.

    * If the owner was not the driver, they can avoid payment by informing police of the driver’s identity.
    * The police provide a statutory declaration form to identify the driver.’

This is the message that is always being sent.
The Licence and the game to keep it becomes the purpose, not Road Safety
A driving act that can cause death or serious injury should be regarded as serious by everybody
The fact that you may lose your licence shouldn’t be the only reason for concern.
Going through a red light or a stop sign is not a minor offence.
It is life threatening and should be treated as such.
FINING DRIVIERS DOESN’T PREVENT ROAD TRAUMA ANY MORE
EXTENDED LOSS OF LICENCE DOESN’T PREVENT ROAD TRAUMA ANY MORE
SENDING DRIVERS TO A SAFETY COURSE TO RE LEARN THE REASON DRIVERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BREAK ROAD RULES WOULD BRING THE FOCUS BACK ON ROAD SAFETY.
http://www.liv.asn.au/public/legalinfo/crime/crime-Driving