LIMITS OF REPRESSION IN THE MATTER OF RISK TAKING

LES FRONTIERES DE LA REPRESSION EN MATIERE D'IMPRUDENCE

This report investigates the possibilities of preventing material damage accidents by means of repressive measures. Definitions are given of the following words, which can give rise to confusion and/or require interpretation: risk taking, driving errors, lack of observation of regulations, and accident causation. Few studies have been carried out of specific cases where these definitions apply, but the authors review the most important of these. A discussion is presented of accident prevention by penalties. It is certain that fines or imprisonment do not fundamentally change the behaviour of the offender. His behaviour is always subject to faults arising from risk taking (nine errors made in five minutes of urban driving). Suspension, cancellation or withdrawal of driving licences are useful because it stops dangerous driving behaviour. The point system and the increase in insurance premiums have also a repressive effect and have a certain element of intimidation. On the other hand, many studies have been carried out, which are referred to in this article of the effectiveness of intimidatory measures or re-education. As regards repression, as long as it will be of a punitive nature with a view to reducing driving errors, it is likely that it will remain relatively ineffective. The only means of making it effective would be to increase its severity, but this then poses economic problems. Mention is made of the possibility of obtaining better results with educational measures. /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/2800404221
• Corporate Authors:

  Brussels Free University

  Avenue Paul Heger 28
  Brussels 5,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • Tunc, A
  • Leaute, J
• Publication Date: 1974

Language

• French

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 39-57
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Brussels Free University
  • Publisher: Brussels Free University
  • ISSN: 28004-0422-1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile insurance; Behavior; Confiscation; Crimes; Driver licenses; Drivers; Economic efficiency; Hazards; Human factors; Measures of effectiveness; Offenders; Penalties; Point demerit systems; Prevention; Risk assessment; Risk taking; Safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness; Efficiency
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149727
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Road Safety Study and Research Fund, Belgium
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monog Ser
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 4 1977 12:00AM