The Rush wrote:
Thatsnews, I almost completely agree with you.
However, from way over here, it seems that a growing number of U.K. drivers feel
less secure due to scameras.
RobinXe wrote:
... there is no question that average driver quality has reduced.
Specifically, what average driver quality/qualities have reduced?
I would have to say, the ability to think for oneself. Of course, this is a broad stroke, and could (and no doubt will be) misconstrued in any manner of strawman arguments. I think the crux of it is that the loudest message being broadcast to drivers is "Speed Kills", closely followed by "Don't drink/phone and drive". Whilst proponents of this message may mumble that its not
all you have to do to stay safe, those other 'messages' are lost in the din.
So, we have drivers proceeding under the misconception that sticking to a closely prescribed set of rules is all thats required for the safety of themselves and everyone around them.
On this topic, and with the caveat to the more vociferous belligerents amongst us that I do
not support the removal of all speed limits, I believe that the (hypothetical) removal of speed limit signs and cameras would not see any increase in accidents amongst
at least 85% of the driving population.
The Rush wrote:
RobinXe wrote:
I think this is a by-product of the same policies that brought us the speed camera proliferation.
Are you saying that it isn't the scameras, but instead the policies that support them which are reducing driver quality?
(I am nitpicking out of genuine curiosity.)
Thats exactly what I'm saying. Policies like "Speed Kills", ie the overemphasis of the effects of speed limits on road safety, and the over-reliance on cameras, to the detriment of resources for proper roads policing, are the culprits. There are so many, far more dangerous, driving practices now abounding, that could be tackled by an increased police presence, both through action and the threat of detection, and would likely have been nipped in the bud before they became problematic had that presence not been reduced in favour of automation.