Letter to Editor- Opinions Please?

[Serial_Fool]

Hello,

I've written a letter to the local paper regaurding this article....

http://www.borderwatch.com.au/archives/2334#more-2334

If you could read through it and leave some feedback I would be greatful.

Sir,
In relation to the lead article “Hoon Terror” for the 12th of February’s Border Watch

I am a self-confessed car nut, I love performance vehicles, travelling at high speeds and I also love the smell of tire smoke. But in my self-confession there is a catch, I like it all legally, at the limited auto racing events throughout the South East of South Australia.

You may be wondering why would someone school aged might be writing to you admitting they are a car nut (or in many eyes, a “hoon”), practically putting themselves up for crucifixion by the community at large? Because even though I love going fast and wasting money on fuel, I only like doing it in a safe legal environment. At all other times I just like to drive my car. I like driving to the Mc Donald’s drive through and buying some cheese burgers, or the service station to put some overpriced fuel in, or cruising along a country road. Most of all I like chatting to people who all share the same interest, love for cars.

As I see in the article many residents are upset about the level of “hoon” activity within their communities, commenting on the many “close shaves” they have observed and the speeding/drag racing that has been happening in the streets of Mount Gambier. I share their concerns for their community and the people committing these acts should be punished. The use of a motor vehicle on the road in my view is a privilege and not a right. But on the other hand, I have witnessed ignorance of police forces and the community regarding car enthusiasts. I’m not saying if Joe Blow rips a burnout in his hectic VL Commodore at the intersection of the main street let him go, but by that same token going all out to impound his vehicle, fine him 2 weeks of pay, and take his license away seems very steep, particularly if he or she requires that vehicle to earn a living. He’s not a car enthusiast he’s a hoon, but being a hoon doesn’t make him a murderer, it rather just makes him ignorant. Ignorant on how having fun in a car should be, that is, in a controlled environment.

How have car enthusiasts been pressured as a result on the crackdown on “hooning”? How about the senseless defection of a motor car over trivial things that have no bearing on safety of the vehicle or police officers randomly pulling people over to “have a look” even when no crime has even been committed. It is kind of ironic that other road users not fitting the "hoon” or “car enthusiast” profile get by with unsuspecting cars with major defects. Why have these things been done to innocent people and their possessions while others get away scot free? It’s a simple answer even highlighted in the article by Sandra Morello. As described by Ms Barton “On one evening this month in just 20 minutes I counted dozens of hoon cars on our street”, the labelling of a “hoon car”. What could be described as a “hoon car” Ms Barton? Big wheels and a high powered V8 engine? Blinding multi coloured lights? For those who couldn’t have foreseen, I have just described many cars used by the police in this very state. The point I am trying to put across is never judge a book by its cover so to speak. People driving around in modified cars cannot be automatically labelled a hoon and they should not automatically hammered by police for driving around. Many would have cars better maintained and are less defectable than the police force. Like many people have said in history car enthusiasts should be innocent until proven otherwise.

Statistics provided by Senior Sergeant Hill indicated 344 cars have been impounded or clamped in the South East. How he could be taking up such devastating statistics defies logic. Having the second highest level of hoon activity in the state isn’t something to be proud of. In contrast- it shows that the existing methods of curbing hooning aren’t working. Simply taking away somebody’s vehicle will not make them a better driver. Actually it makes them become bitter regarding our authorities. Only training in the use of a motor vehicle WILL make them a better driver. While the current process to obtain a license is adequate only the Provisional one test requires actual in-the-car driving, all else is purely theory on basic road rules.

A more direct approach could be used. Many analysts argue that inexperienced drivers are over represented in the national death toll on our road. The key word here is “inexperienced”. How is it that we bring down the numbers of inexperienced drivers in the road toll? Government sponsored (whether it be local or state) training days for learner drivers by auto clubs would be a great answer. Increased funding could be introduced to many of the car clubs throughout the South East to stage mandatory events for learner/ provisional drivers. This approach would have two very positive outcomes. The first, it would curb the need for honing around suburban streets as all the honing would be done on a race track. The second, it would allow inexperienced drivers to develop practical driving skills in a safe place. A legal way to drain the boy-racer out of a “hoon” in a constructive environment would befit many people in the community while reducing the risk of Mount Gambier/ South Eastern streets to be used as a racetrack. Teaching people how to actually drive instead of the basics of road rules and driving positions is the way to go. Not harsher penalties.

Thank you for the time you took to read my letter Mr Editor, and for all of the community: please keep safe on the roads.
Mr. ***** ****