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'Name and Shame' offenders, RSOs say

Road safety professionals would wholeheartedly support the media becoming more involved in 'name and shame' drink drive campaigns.

That's the outcome of an informal survey conducted on this newsfeed last week, when all but three of the 28 respondents supported this proposition.

The survey was prompted by a campaign by the South Wales Evening Post, which was praised by the local police force - and a survey by Direct Line indicating that half of Britain's motorists admit to driving after having a drink.

David Frost, LARSOA's press and PR officer, said: "If road users repeatedly ignore road safety messages and then get caught by the police for breaking the law, they shouldn't be surprised if their actions are reported in the media.

"Getting media support for local campaigns is key to their effectiveness. When news organisations go one step further by highlighting offenders this not only gives strong approval, but also helps in warning others of the consequences."

Other comments from survey respondents included, 'any media getting involved in reducing casualties is a good idea', 'it is only through making drivers aware of issues around drink/driving that all road users may take notice', and 'this may be a deterrent and I welcome it'.  

Another respondent added passionately: "Too many people get away with drink driving. I think if there was a risk that their name may be in the local papers that might put people off doing it. Nowadays most people don't care about others - for example running over or killing someone - they just care about not wanting to appear in a bad light."

By contrast, another respondent argued: "In a civilised society, much more would be being done to understand drink-drivers' problems. Unfortunately, we seem to be regressing ... rather than naming and blaming, the press could do more to explain what is being done to cope with this problem."

www.larsoa.org.uk