Dear Peter,
I believe I know what you're going through. Though I have never been the victim of road trauma or associated with anyone who has, I may have something to contribute to your website and your cause. I heard your call to the ABC this morning and although I know I should have made my thoughts known to those who matter years ago maybe it's not too late.
It's quite a simple philosophy. I have to ask you first to ignore the emotional, personal aspect of your loss and I apologise for that because the philosophy is very impersonal.
Laws are made to protect people. Those who break the law are criminal. Criminals should be made to pay for any law they have broken, because they have no consideration for people or respect for the law.
In so far as driver attitude is concerned, if a driver omits to stop at a stop sign, breaks the local speed limit, drives recklessly or under the influence of any drug, that driver is breaking a law supposedly protecting innocent people.
To go a step further, in my opinion there is no such thing as an accident in the true sense of the word. Accidents, even mishaps, are caused. Caused by carelessness, lack of responsibility, concentration, recklessness, lack of respect for other road users, whatever.
There are other aspects associated with current public perceptions of road safety and law enforcement, including driver training and lack of harsher (maximum?) penalties for road law breakers.
I hope this adds to your fight for less lawlessness on the roads.
Derek Cooper, Snake Valley , Vic.
