Login | Register

Profiling not the answer
Friday July 18 2008 Traffic accidents remain the leading cause of death for young people aged 16 to 24.
Calls for increased restrictions on young drivers are growing following the deaths of three young men in Muskoka this month.
The Ontario government is considering tightening the rules, despite the pre-existing graduated drivers licensing system, which has been in place since 1994.
“We’re moving in the direction of change,” Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said in a Toronto Star article last week.
Jumping on the bandwagon are groups, like MADD Canada and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Bandied about are three suggested changes for drivers under the age of 21: a zero blood alcohol level, banning cell phone use and limiting the number of passengers in a vehicle.
Collision statistics show - year after year – that drivers aged 25-34 and 35-44 are involved in the most driving-related fatalities or injuries. Statistics also show that male drivers in their mid-20s are more likely to be involved in drunk driving collisions.
If the government is going to tighten driving restrictions – with statistics being touted as the supporting evidence – why should only young drivers be affected?
Based on facts, it would make sense to implement a zero blood alcohol level on all male drivers under the age of 30.
Cell phone use should be banned across the board, since research proves all drivers are distracted while using them.
“The overall conclusion ... is that cell phones and CD players are detrimental to the driving behaviour of all, not just novice, drivers,” states a report on the IBC website.
Profiling, based on age or gender or any other type of demographic, isn’t wise in any circumstance, especially since statistics can be manipulated.
Perhaps what’s needed more is for someone to create a machine or test capable of determining maturity and common sense?

North Peel Media Group Newspapers: The Brampton Guardian Caledon Enterprise Independent & Free Press Orangeville Banner