During a conference for traffic safety officers
Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz presented his plans for a
war against road accidents.
The plan, which is merely in the planning stage until
approved through legislation, places more emphasis on
stronger measures against violators and less emphasis on road
and infrastructure improvements. Mofaz threatened to
confiscate vehicles following accidents. "Until recently the
State of Israel has related to the carnage of the roads as if
hearing a weather report. No effort has been made to stop the
carnage on the roads or at least reduce it to a reasonable
level.
"In Israel people drive drunk and high and [drivers include]
tens of thousands whose vehicle licenses are invalid, along
with tens of thousands whose vehicles belong in a junk yard,"
he added.
He proposed introducing urban traffic police sponsored by
local authorities, who would act hard-handedly to prevent
traffic accidents inside cities and not just on interurban
roads and highways. He also intends to cancel the existing
point system, introducing a red point system in which a
traffic violator's license would be revoked on the spot. He
also holds that the accompaniment period for new drivers
should be doubled.
Another proposal would reduce the speed limit on dangerous
roads.
Regarding last week's train accident, Mofaz expressed
surprise over the lack of real-time measures such as sensors
to prevent trains from colliding with vehicles on the tracks.
"Someone here has not had the sense to make the necessary
changes. I intend to go as far as possible, perhaps even
doing things that sound illogical."
Mofaz announced he would also crack down on cell phone use
without hands-free devices. A committee of jurists will be
set up to evaluate the proposals.
