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Toughen up rules of the road

One thing I’ve noticed up here or wherever I’ve lived or visited is that there can be conflicts between special interest groups in an area

One thing I’ve noticed up here or wherever I’ve lived or visited is that there can be conflicts between special interest groups in an area.  A large conflict brews up here between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians as well as another one between irresponsible dog handlers, responsible dog handlers and those who don’t own or are afraid or nervous of dogs.

First of all, only motorists presently are licensed and have to take exams to be allowed to drive on the roads.  Cyclists and pedestrians are not.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to introduce a course in elementary or high school that covers all three perspectives and includes training and information on how to be responsible in all three roles?

It may be too late to change the ways of people set in their ways, like teenagers, young adults, middle aged adults and seniors but surely young kids can be helped to understand that it is in their best interests to be safe in each of these roles?

Increased penalties should be brought about for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who break traffic regulations or cause accidents.  It’s often hard, to impossible, to track down escaped cyclists or pedestrians therefore there is a slight argument for increased use of traffic cameras (as distasteful as that suggestion is to me).

Deaths as a result of accidents and negligence should result in permanent loss of driving/cycling privileges.

As for the dog owner/handler community, enforcement of bylaws and education of the ignorant appear the greatest issues but what can one do about that?

Education/training prior to the ownership of a pet should be a law but is that enforceable?  Violations should result in harsher penalties to the point of the pet being rescued and placed in a responsible home.

Patrick Longworth

Okanagan Falls