THE CLI-FI REPORT

Hi, my name is Ainesley Crabbe. I'm a 40-something year-old British man,
currently in Huwei, Taiwan, where I teach English. I recently wrote this letter to the Taipei Times and they published it on April 9, 2012.

Tackling road safety

Dear Editor:
A law targeting the use of mobile phones while driving (“Law targets
all use of mobiles while driving,” April 6, 2012, page 1. http://www.taipeitimes.com/) will provide
another example of both the common disregard for the law and its
arbitrary application, which is so prevalent in Taiwan.

I am sure most readers will have witnessed this, whether it be when
trying to use a pedestrian crossing or casually observing the police
as they drive around, lights ablaze and three to a car.

The proposed legislation is common sense, yet it will, in all
probability, reinforce the general attitude toward the lax adherence
and enforcement of the law.

If the authorities were serious about this matter, they would propose
a blanket ban on the tinting of car windows (How can the police
apprehend offenders otherwise?), consider more serious fines or
punishments (How about a NT$10,000 fine and/or loss of one’s license?)
and incentives for the police to actually start enforcing the law
(Perhaps a percentage of any fine imposed). And while they are at it,
they might also like to think about banning TVs in the front of
vehicles.

I know it is “convenient” to be able to watch one’s favorite South
Korean drama while waiting at a red light, but seriously, if safety
were paramount, a lot more could be done.

If the authorities in Taiwan are really interested in road safety,
there should be a coordinated campaign of road safety education
combined with tougher penalties that are more rigorously enforced.

Sincerely,
Ainesley Crabbe


Huwei, Yunlin County


http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2012/04/09/2003529863