Tough penalties for poor driving

 I have spent my entire working career on the road, much of it driving heavy vehicles and I have noticed a steady decline in driver behaviour over the past 36 years.

This poor behaviour on our roads coincides with a general deterioration in our societies values which began in the mid 80's.  Discipline in schools was wound back and eventually removed, parents were encouraged to tone down discipline at home and in public for fear of being charged with assault or child abuse.

The social structures that were built over generations in this country where (in the main) people respected one another, themselves and authority was washed away in a matter of years.  The result now is two or three generations of people who struggle to socialise with others, have no respect for authority and no respect for themselves.  These people have grown up not being disciplined for doing things wrong.  They have also been allowed to keep succeeding when clearly they failed because society says they can't fail as this may hurt their feelings or damage their psyche.

Well, what damage have these people received by not being told no, not being told their work was wrong or being disciplined for poor behaviour?  These people struggle or in some cases fail completely to fit in to society or a workplace.  These people do not respect anyone of authority, especially Police Officers.  Furthermore, these people come across as self indulged because they WILL NOT be told what to do by a person or even a sign.  It is a classic case of the world owes them something.

This leads me to discuss our disturbing road toll.  Everyday, I see people using their mobile phones, speeding, tailgating and driving dangerously.  Why?  There is more scrutiny on Learner Drivers today than when I did mine in 1985.  Driving skills should be much better these days, but they are not.

The real answer is simply attitude.  I WILL DO WHAT I WANT & WHEN I WANT TO DO IT & NOBODY OR ANYTHING WILL TELL ME OTHERWISE.  This is the general thinking these days and unfortunately this thought process has also encroached into the older generations as these people have developed a learnt behaviour from pandering to their children.

In Australia penalties for poor driving and associated offences have never been higher.  South Australia has the highest fines & penalties yet the incidence of poor driving, flouting the law and the road toll continues to grow.

Governments need to get ultra tough with people who make the choice (Yes it is a choice) to drive in a poor manner.  Here is some idea's that I would like to share with you:

• First task is for Government to construct a huge compound at Gillman for seized vehicles, illegally parked vehicles and those who become impounded for driving offences.  Retrieving your vehicle from the impound will cost $800 at least.
• If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.05-0.08 you will receive a $500 fine & loss of license for 1 week.  For each subsequent breach in this category your penalty will double $1000, 2 week suspension etc. You will also lose 6 demerit points.
• If you are caught using your mobile phone whilst driving you will receive a $2000 fine & immediate loss of license for 2 weeks.  You will lose 10 demerit points.  Vehicle impounded for 10 days. (if caught driving whilst cancelled you will spend exactly 1 year imprisoned to work on Government / Local Government projects to reduce financial burden on taxpayer)
• If you are caught speeding up to 10km/h over 5% of your weekly income & 3 demerit points.
• Speeding 10km/h-20km/h over 15% of weekly income 1 month loss of license & 8 demerit points (if caught driving whilst cancelled you will spend exactly 1 year imprisoned to work on Government / Local Government projects to reduce financial burden on taxpayer)
• Speeding 20km/h-30km/h over 20% of weekly income fine & 6 months immediate loss of license. (if caught driving whilst cancelled you will spend exactly 1 year imprisoned to work on Government / Local Government projects to reduce financial burden on taxpayer) (Once you are able to have a license again you will be required to go through the P1 & P2 stage)
• Speeding over 30km/h of posted speed limit.  Immediate cancellation of license.  Vehicle impounded period determined by the courts but no less than two months from date of offence.  Criminal conviction recorded and penalty to be determined by the courts.  Penalty not less that two years driving ban and $5000 fine. (if caught driving whilst cancelled you will spend exactly 1 year imprisoned to work on Government / Local Government projects to reduce financial burden on taxpayer) (If you are granted permission to hold a driving license again you will be required to start on your Learners)
• Drugs -  If caught driving under the influence of an illicit substance, immediate cancellation of license for 1 year & vehicle impounded for 2 months. (if caught driving whilst cancelled you will spend exactly 1 year imprisoned to work on Government / Local Government projects to reduce financial burden on taxpayer) (If you are granted permission to hold a driving license again following continual drug free testing you will be required to start on your Learners)
• If you make the choice to disobey traffic signals, road signs, drive dangerously you can be fined up to $2000, lose your license for one week, lose 6 demerit points and have your vehicle impounded for 10 days.  

Off the table will be excuses for work, troubled life, family reasons or medical purposes.  The responsibility is on you.  Think of the things that are important to you before you make the choice to break the law and drive without any regard to yourself or others.

I am sick to death of people passing me on double white lines, speeding, using their damn phones, ignoring traffic signs and not even slowing down for children alighting from a bright yellow School Bus.  It seems slowing to 25km/h in the name of children's safety is too much for many people.  This shit just has to stop.

Driving & holding a license is a privilege not a right.