Greetings, I am proud to open Ranting Radspank with a topic which has left me befuddled for quite some time...
Why do people insist on displaying those annoying yellow "Baby on Board" signs on their rear car windscreen?
Is it (a): a light-hearted and quirky method of drawing attention to one's much-loved infant?
Is it (b): a warning for following motorists to adopt a greater level of caution on the road?
Is it (c): the secret sign of an evil underground terrorist organisation?
I would assume a combination of (a) and (b) is true in most cases. However if (b) is correct, then further questions arise:
Why would I show additional caution just because a baby is reportedly in the car?
Why wouldn't I exercise maximum caution at ALL times, baby or otherwise?
If I did drive hazardously behind such a vehicle would penalties apply?
Would it leave me open to verbal abuse and physical beating?
If an accident happened, is the vehicle displaying said sign absolved from blame?
Is fault directed solely at the person not displaying the sign?
Is there a legal requirement to actually have a baby in the car in order to display the sign?
If I purchased and displayed such a sign, could I myself expect more courtesy from fellow road users?
Can anybody shed some light or opinion on this matter?
1 comment:
Founder of Safety 1st Michael Lerner began manufacturing the signs as a safety reminder. He is quoted to have said, "Our concept was to really improve driver awareness of child safety," and, "Car accidents are the number one cause of child deaths in the United States".
There's no legal requirement in Australia to have one or any greater responsibility if you are a driver around one. The Victorian Police, RACV, RCH Child Health and Safety Resource Centre, and Better Health Victoria don't promote them at all.
If we act responsibly they become unnecessary – that is to say if you need to be reminded, for whatever reason, to exercise caution whilst driving, perhaps you need to reconsider the use of your license and take the bus.
Post a Comment