Speaking of idiots, here’s an interesting idea that I just stumbled on: IdiotDriver.com.au. According to their FAQ:
Every year approximately 1200 – 1300 people die on Australian roads, in addition to these deaths there are tens of thousands of others affected such as families, friends, medical staff and emergency service workers who attend the accidents. In addition to those killed many people are seriously injured incurring huge medical and rehabilitation costs to the community.
The creators of idiotdriver.com.au thought that creating a publicly available register of alleged unsafe behaviors on our roads may help reduce the road toll by modifying driving behavior.
I’m not convinced that this will have a deterrent effect but I suppose in comparison to fighting aggression with aggression it’s a much better way for people to let off steam.
And I guess it could be just one of a range of tools to add to Professor Roger Rees‘s suggestions about changing the way people think when they’re behind the wheel.
Here’s a thought though: if the site ever reaches a really high profile might some idiots actively try to get themselves listed on IdiotDriver.com.au? Totally idiotic to be sure but who knows how some people’s minds work?
Hey Treadly(!)
Thanks for the plug on the sidebar and the blog submission (drop me an email and let me know how you found out about us)
Idiotdrivers is an interesting case study. I agree with your analysis that perhaps it is a better place to vent your frustration. It certainly brings another meaning to the ‘social web’!
Cheers Jon
Posted by Jon Y | 27 April 2006, 10:52 am