Regarding motorists not obeying all the rules of the road, we have, as South African motorists, seen it all. Remember that one driver who decided to overtake the long queue on the left side, driving on the dirt camber section? Then, others driving along the emergency lane of the highway trying to beat the traffic jam? And what about the countless trucks and large vehicles displaying a large “100” on the back, hurtling past you exceeding 100 km/hour? And so the list goes on and on. But “why” you may ask, “do they do it?” Let’s read on, and examine some of the possible reasons.
IS THE LAW LIKE A ‘PARENT’?
It may be a funny way of putting it, but is there a similarity? Human nature, unrestricted by boundaries, can behave like a young child without any parental guidance. Just as young children need to know what is permitted and what is not by their parents, so perhaps motorists need to be constantly reminded by law enforcement agents that the law needs to be respected and adhered to.
HOW ADEQUATE IS LAW ENFORCEMENT?
Often, upon seeing serious criminal driving taking place on our roads, we exclaim, “I wish the police could see this!” Actually, no enforcement means that there is no law, and conversely, good enforcement means the law is alive and well. Without law enforcement, the value of statutes and laws put in place to protect motorists is reduced to that of the paper it is written on.
THE BEHAVIOUR OF TAKING MORE CHANCES
The state of lawlessness on South African roads does not remain the same for years, but actually deteriorates by the day. Why should this be so? It’s human nature. If you try something illegal, and you keep on getting away with it, you become more and more brazen. Initially, you may have thought twice about going through a red traffic light. But, then you began to notice while going through late amber, that there were still two motorists going through after you. “Well, nothing happened to them, and if they can do it, why not I also?” The tragedy is that dangerous behaviour does catch up with chancers, and often it’s too late.
WHAT ARE OTHER EXAMPLES OF DETERIORATING DRIVING BEHAVIOUR?
Because of little or no law enforcement, more and more drivers are chatting on their cell phones, exceeding the speed limit, and alcohol limit. Add to that non-roadworthy cars, drivers with illegal drivers’ licences, and so the list goes on and on.
SO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ADDRESS THIS LAWLESSNESS?
There is no point just leaving this article, describing lawless behaviour on our roads, without providing some hope for other South African motorists. How can this rebellious behaviour best be addressed?
THE BEST WAY TO CHANGE DRIVER CONDUCT
According to the 2015 World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Road Safety, law enforcement needs to show zero tolerance and this ‘pressure’ should be maintained all the time. To have sporadic initiatives to correct motorists, such as just before and during an Easter weekend, will not do much to change driving behaviour.
ZERO TOLERANCE MEANS ZERO TOLERANCE
Zero tolerance law enforcement must be applied day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. There should be no let up. Initially, rebellious motorists may not take much notice. However, when they begin to realize that law enforcement agencies are serious and committed about enforcing their zero tolerance policy, motorists will start to regain respect for the law. They will realize that the days of doing what they like on our roads are over. This culture change will not be overnight, but the best way to start is to start.
ARE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ADEQUATELY EQUIPPED?
It is important to ask if law enforcement agencies are adequately staffed and trained to handle such a zero tolerance policy. Let’s take a look at the AARTO system that would exemplify zero tolerance.
WHAT IS ‘AARTO’?
AARTO, or the ‘Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences’ Act, was promulgated 20 years ago. Unfortunately, it still has to be implemented. Its function is to administer less serious traffic offences. Essentially, the whole point of the AARTO system and law enforcement is to show defaulting motorists a zero tolerance policy via the introduction of a point demerit system.
We have read why a current reckless and lawless behaviour of many motorists exists, and also how this could be changed through strict implementation of the AARTO system. A strong message needs to be sent out to all those chancers on our roads, “Beware, respect the law, or else you will face the full might of the law.”
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
How would you describe or define what is a “Bad Driving Habit”? https://t.co/mK2BsH7iD7 #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/VTDQOKkZQb
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 30, 2017