Quoted message said:Beware the deviation amplification spiral that leads to moral panics(1). More reporting of an
issue doesn't mean it's more common.
Hit and run offences, especially where the victim is a cyclist, have always been endemic. There is
nothing new about drivers ignoring cyclists lying injured in the middle of the road either. One
middle aged lady contacted me about I campaign I was/am running to get a level crossing improved.
She came off on some dangerously out of level rails and was more upset by the fact that motorists
drove around her, many blowing their horns at her, then the injuries she received...
Nationally, the current level of 'hit and runs' is around 14% and rising - up almost 4%in the last
year. In some areas such as Manchester and Liverpool the 'hit an run' rate is now approaching 50%...
Look at http;//motorcarnage.org.uk/motorcarnage/current.html
and count how mnay times 'hit and run' drink driving, drugs use, driving whilst disqualified and
'excessive speed' come up. Also look how many pedestrians are killed by hit and run drivers - it's
important to keep a sense of perspective as to where the real problems
lie.
What we need is blanket coverage of the country with speed cameras, using the revenue raised to pay
for traffic officers. No whining - the current cameras were brought in largely because the motor
lobby called for them on the basis you if you missed a high visibility camera you were probabaly
driving without due attention and deserved a fine. They seem to have conveniently forgotten about
that now though... (No whining either about siteing cameras around corners. You are supposed to be
able to STOP in the distance you can see to be clear for gawds sake...).
