Oct 15 2008
Cash for courtesy? No thanks
I’m not usually one to pass up free money, but I’ve made up my mind that if a cop ever pulls me over for courteous driving, I’d reject the ‘reward package’ of a $20 petrol voucher and $20 CashCard.
Yup, that’s what Traffic Police officers are giving away to motorists ‘who display acts of road courtesy’ during the Road Courtesy Campaign 2008. You can read about it here.
The thing is, every driver carries the responsibility of keeping lives safe on the road, so signalling early, giving way to others and driving considerately are musts. I don’t see the need to reward people for doing what they are supposed to do.
In fact, I’d say holding a door open for the person behind is a greater act of courtesy than indicating your intentions on the road. But I don’t see anyone giving out money for that.
So I’d tell the cop thanks but no thanks, and politely suggest he spend his time looking out for reckless drivers and those who don’t signal before turning or changing lanes. These offences are punishable by fines and demerit points, after all, yet they’re happening all around, all the time.
First of all, though, I need to get pulled over…
