Comment 99499

By kevlahan (registered) | Posted March 31, 2014 at 16:41:13 in reply to Comment 99492

Except that in most cases, the degree of enforcement and the severity of the penalty depends on the ability of the offender to cause harm, especially to cause harm to others. Putting oneself at risk is usually considered less seriously than putting the lives of others at risk.

Also, people forget that walking is only dangerous because other people are driving vehicles!

It is the cars that create the danger in the first place, and each driver has decided to engage in an activity that poses a significant danger to others (including their passengers). The same can't be said for walkers.

A rational enforcement system would put the most enforcement resources (which are scarce) where they can reduce the most harm.

On the road, motorists have far more ability to cause harm to themselves and others than other road users. Which is why enforcement efforts should focus on motor vehicles. This is the reason we put so much effort into catching and punishing drunk drivers rather than say, not coming to a full stop at stop signs, despite the fact both actions break the law.

And, most importantly, enforcement isn't enough to change behaviour if it feels comfortable to do something dangerous and illegal. The real solution is to change the road design to encourage the behaviour we want: slow, attentive driving, and comfortable safe walking (including crossing the street).

Comment edited by kevlahan on 2014-03-31 16:42:30

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