“Extreme rubber-necking” is how the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has described the latest trend in drivers posting videos of crashes online.
Both the authority and the gardaí have sharply criticised drivers who come across a crash and decide to record the scene, passing under the noses of gardaí while using a hand-held mobile phone.
Brian Farrell of the RSA said he and authority personnel, members of the gardaí and other emergency services were out making a new road safety advertisement on a closed section of road recently. When their work was completed the road was reopened to traffic, but one driver could not resist the presence of the emergency services to record the scene, even travelling slowly by while pointing his phone at gardaí.
The man was issued with a €80 fine and three fixed penalty points. Should he fail to pay on time he faces a court appearance with a possible fine of up to €2,000 and five penalty points. Probationary drivers can be disqualified at seven points.
However gardaí say there is anecdotal evidence that more people are seeking to record crashes and post videos on social media.
On Friday, members of the Garda's Southern Region took to Facebook to warn drivers against recording such events.
Under a picture of a crash, the Garda said: “Unfortunately, we are all familiar with scenes like this. Please don’t feel the need to film it. Besides, the Baftas were last week.
“Emergency services need room to work in dangerous environments and depend on other road users to act responsibly. Some motorists felt compelled to film and photograph what was going on.”
The Garda said in that case four drivers were issued with on-the-spot fines for holding mobile phones while driving. Another driver was fined for stopping on the opposite carriageway “to have a look”.
“Do not endanger yourselves, other road users or the Emergency services trying to help those involved” said the post.
