In recent years, considerable attention has been paid in newspapers, and recently also on the Internet, to all types of conflicts between road users. Sometimes the attention has focused on unpleasant or indecent gestures, sometimes aggressive driving behaviour (tailgating, flashing headlights, deliberate obstructions,...) and in some exceptional situations there is physical violence with `assault and battery' or even homicide. Therefore, the Belgian federal government has decided to react thoroughly against this new form of violent crime. The policy is to react seriously to each complaint, to use summary jurisdiction in certain courts and to punish voilators severely. In this context, the Belgian Road Safety Institute (IBSR-BIVV) organises an alternative legal penalty for this type of traffic offender. (A)
Samenvatting