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MAG update......Dft improve road safety compliance - Posted on 2008-11-23 10:38:57

trev94600r
125cc Learner

Joined:
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Posts: 10
Location:
Lincoln
United Kingdom

DfT today launched a consultation on proposals to improve road safety compliance(consultation ends 27 February 2009) In a nutshell, they are making proposals and seeking views on changes to the law they say will help reduce casualties. There is nothing that targets motorcycle users specifically, but many of the proposals would have an impact on riders:
DfT are working on the premise that deaths and injuries will be reduced if road users comply with key road safety laws. They say their philosophy is to help the responsible majority of road users and crack down on the reckless few.
The package covers five issues: 1. speeding; 2. drink driving; 3. seat belt wearing; 4. drug driving; 5. careless driving.
For each of these issues, DfT have considered different approaches based on a) greater awareness, b) effective enforcement; penalties, c) technology/incentivisation, d) the legal framework. In addition, there are proposals to improve remedial training and testing schemes for driving (and riding) offenders.
Speeding - DfT propose to introduce a graduated fixed penalty of 6 penalty points for drivers who exceed the speed limit by a very large margin 20 mph in most speed limits. This is the major change proposed, there are a number of other approaches (publicity, etc.) they will continue to use.
....................................................................................................................Note:::............They have also said they think Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)
shows promise as a means for drivers to more easily comply with the law voluntarily and that they will "work with partners within and outside government to build on this research". There are no specific proposals for new budgets or changes in law at this stage.
Drink driving - DfT say they think tighter enforcement is the key to tackling drink driving, ie; targeted checkpoint enforcement, introduction of evidential breath-testing equipment, making it easier for the police to enforce drink driving by removing a driver/rider's option for a blood or urine test and ensuring high risk offenders complete medical examinations before they are allowed to start driving again. They are also going to start a new roadside survey of drinking and driving in 2009 (which presumably means random checks).
DfT seem reluctant to change the blood:alcohol limit but say they have an open mind if there is good evidence for change. They want respondents to say what priority they think should be given to a change in the prescribed alcohol limit for driving, what evidence they are able to offer and what further evidence they consider is needed before DfT decide on whether to lower the limit or not.
Seat belts - The Home Office is currently consulting on an increase in the penalty for failing to wear a seat belt from Ł30 to Ł60 in 2009.
Drug driving - DfT say there is limited information on the scale of drug driving but evidence suggests that it is serious and increasing. DfT will be refining data collection on drug driving and ensuring that a comprehensive investigation of drugs (and alcohol) is undertaken routinely following fatal accidents.
The current law requires proof that a driver is impaired by drugs, the procedure is complex and, as a result, cases are few. They want to know whether a new offence needs to be created to enable the police to deal more effectively with drug drivers.
Careless driving - Careless driving is a catch-all offence that covers general bad driving. Data collected by the police suggests 408 deaths had "careless, reckless or in a hurry" recorded as a contributory factor in 2007. In 2006 there were fewer than 30,000 successful prosecutions for careless or dangerous driving, less than a third of the number for drink driving, and the number of prosecutions has dropped by nearly 75 per cent in the last two decades. 79 per cent of careless driving prosecutions happen only after a collision.
DfT want to tackle careless driving before it causes an accident by making careless driving a fixed penalty offence, which will enable the police to enforce with a minimum of bureaucracy against careless drivers who admit their fault. The fixed penalty would be Ł60 and 3 penalty points.
We have some time to respond to this, I would suggest you discuss locally and let me know how people are responding
Note:: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/Intelligent-Speed-Adaptation-Literature-Review-and-Scoping-Study-Jan-2006.pdf
.................. http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/intelligentspeedadaptation/

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i drive way to fast to worry about cholesterol

Replies


	MAG update......Dft improve road safety compliance - Posted on 2008-11-23 12:44:12
trev94600r 125cc Learner Joined: Thursday, October 23, 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Lincoln United Kingdom	Thought this was worth a post as we all have safety in mind when out on our bikes (and any other vehicles we drive)....but the sting in the tail here is:- “”Intelligent Speed Adaptation”” (ISA),,,, for any one that’s unaware of this......... In a nutshell It is a box of tricks linked into the: - throttle and brakes with a dedicated gps system To keep the vehicles with in the speed limit and revised weather limits Not so bad then! But at between Ł500 to Ł1500 per vehicle and a top box for bikes that have not the room inboard Like most motorbikes, seem a lot more like law enforcement than safety to, What do you think?? trev -- i drive way to fast to worry about cholesterol

	MAG update......Dft improve road safety compliance - Posted on 2008-11-23 13:36:31
the_ox 1300cc Superstar Joined: Saturday, October 30, 2004 Posts: 8803 Location: London United Kingdom	Wait 5 yrs and it will be in all vehicles as standard...................... Small gps sim and a interface isnt rocket science. The computer on the first space mission was massive and had less power than most mobile phones today. You read it here first! -- Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, beer in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming

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