Near Miss of the Day 382: Everyone wants to overtake oncoming tractor

Thanks. I think this bit of research hits the nail on the head.

If you don't fancy the long read I posted earlier, there's a 30min podcast and 5 min video on this webpage:

https://www.roadsafetytrust.org.uk/funded-projects/19/university-of-leic...

There's huge variability in how different police forces act on this issue. However, the law as it stands is useable. There's no need to wait for the overdue road offences review to be able to take action. The problem is attitudes and societal norms, which need pressure in order to change.

As the report authors state, not many dangerous drivers begin their journey with the intent of causing death or injury. Therefore, only prosecuting DD when harm has occurred is no deterrent. There needs to be more action taken for DD when endangerment has occurred in order to change driver behaviour.

Let's be clear, it's behaviour change that is needed, not only justice following a tragedy.

kevvjj wrote:

If we give up reporting these events then nothing will ever change. Even if the police don't take action they will, over time, gather a body of evidence that will highlight an issue. If you do nothing then nothing changes. If you aren't happy with a decision then you need to take it further via a formal complaint - this will involve more paperwork for the police and they might just begin to get the message that acting on the initial evidence is more in their interest.

I have to agree with this.  I report at 1 offence a week to Thames Valley that occur on my commute and so far not a single NIP has been issued, all they send is a letter outlining their responsiblities when overtaking vulberable road users.  I did start to wonder why do I bother but I decided to keep going so at least the car's details are recorded and if there's another incident stronger enforcement action may be taken.  

Good find.

I couldn't find a date, the last reference was 2017, so seems a relatively recent paper.  The summary is good, I might  have a go at the full paper.

make sure you pace yourself! I've not got past the contents page yet 

I think it was dated around June 2019

The takeaway for me was the fact a dangerous driving charge was actively avoided by some police forces due to the increased paperwork required and the issues in having to deal with the CPS.

I think Neil really ought to chase this up with the police. There's a lot going on here. The Audi starts an ambitious overtake, but does not indicate. The white van pulls out without indicating or clearly checking his mirrors (so that's only one out of mirror/signal/manoeuvre). They both decide to do this whilst clearly having the 'sun in their eyes', as demonstrated by the sun visors being deployed in both vehicles. Both BK52 UXZ and MM67 PGF are registered as taxed and MOT'd with DVLA, so the drivers should be traceable.

That was a ridiculously close shave. Just pure fortune that nobody was injured or worse. Let's ditch the ambivalence and fatalism, and press for some justice.