Campania, Carabinieri in Action: Crackdown on Smartphones while Driving, But Common Sense is Lacking!

A real crackdown has been launched in #Campania by the police, in particular the #Carabinieri, against the use of electronic devices such as #smartphones and tablets while driving #cars and #scooters.

In recent weeks, checks have intensified in municipalities such as Torre del Greco and Castellammare di Stabia, where there have been reports of citizens stopped, fined and even having their licenses suspended. But there is no shortage of controversy: many drivers claim to have been fined for indirect use of the devices, such as listening to music or hands-free messages, raising doubts about the strict application of the rules.

Blanket checks: what the Highway Code says

The Carabinieri operation is based on Article 173, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Highway Code, which prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving, except for the use of hands-free systems or earphones that do not require the use of hands. The penalties are severe: they start from a minimum fine of 250 euros, which can reach 1.000 euros, with suspension of the license from 15 days to 3 months in the case of repeat offenses, and a deduction of points ranging from 8 to 10. If the use of the device causes an accident, the suspension times double [Source: www.unionesarda.it] (http://www.unionesarda.it]). In Torre del Greco and Castellammare di Stabia, citizens report frequent roadblocks, with motorists stopped for targeted checks. “I was listening to music on speakerphone, I wasn’t touching the phone,” Antonio, 35, from Castellammare, told us, fined 250 euros and having his license revoked for 15 days. “I understand security, but this seems excessive to me.” Similar stories come from Torre del Greco, where a woman reported being fined for having her phone in her hand, even though she wasn’t actively using it.

A good initiative, but common sense is needed

The initiative of the police is understandable: the use of electronic devices while driving is one of the main causes of accidents, both direct and indirect, in Italy. According to Istat, distraction from smartphones is among the most frequent factors in road accidents, with Italy recording 55 deaths per million inhabitants per year, one of the highest figures in Western Europe [Source: www.thelocal.it] (http://www.thelocal.it]). The introduction of more severe rules in the Highway Code, such as increased fines and license suspension, aims to educate drivers to use them correctly and responsibly, promoting a culture of safety.

However, an enforcement problem emerges: many drivers complain about a lack of common sense on the part of the police. Not all cases are the same: there are those who use the phone to chat or surf, clearly dangerous behaviors, and those who, instead, hold it in their hand for indirect use, such as listening to music or answering a message hands-free.

The penalty, however, is the same: a fine and immediate withdrawal of the license, a fundamental work tool for many. "Imagine a good driver, with zero violations, maximum points on his license, who wears his seatbelt and respects the rules.”, says Marco, a taxi driver from Torre del Greco. "If for a moment of distraction he holds the phone in his hand without using it, he finds himself without a license for 15 days. Is it fair? Where is the common sense on the part of the police?".

Reward good citizens, not just punish

Road safety is a priority, but perhaps a more balanced approach would be useful. Before proceeding with such heavy fines, the Carabinieri could check the driver's profile: those with an impeccable curriculum, no previous fines and respectful behavior, could be warned rather than fined, especially if the violation is minor and does not represent a real danger to traffic.

Reward good citizens, rather than punishing them indiscriminately, it could encourage a more conscious respect for the rules. The crackdown in Campania demonstrates the willingness of law enforcement to address a real problem, but the rigid application of the rules risks penalizing even those who do not represent a danger. A balance between sanctions and education is needed to ensure that road safety does not become a pretext for excessive punishments.

Slow communication and bureaucratic chaos: an additional stress

To make matters worse, there is a problem of communication and bureaucratic management. The Prefecture of the province where the fine is issued does not immediately notify the duration of the suspension: after the period allowed by law for those who want to file an objection or something else, days pass before the citizen knows how long he or she will not be able to drive. Furthermore, the procedure for regaining the license is creating further stress for the already overburdened police forces: they find themselves managing a flow of requests for clarification and restitution, but the lack of personnel creates delays and headaches.

This bureaucratic overload could be avoided with a more functional approach: common sense could make a “skimming” between truly dangerous drivers, who use the devices inappropriately, and those who, instead, can be warned verbally. Stopping a driver, checking his profile and, if he is a good driver, limiting yourself to a warning about indirect use that is not permitted, could lighten the system and reward those who drive responsibly.

A rigid application that creates mistrust

What reaches citizens, however, is a different message: a rigid application of the rules that seems more oriented towards "make cash” than to educate by creating distrust towards the police. The Carabinieri, for example, often intervene with common sense in delicate situations, such as saving lives or protecting citizens, demonstrating balance and above all a lot of humanity. But the same approach should also apply to such heavy sanctions as the suspension of the license. Rewarding good citizens, perhaps with a warning for minor and non-dangerous violations, rather than punishing them indiscriminately, could encourage a more conscious respect for the rules. Road safety is a priority, but a balance between sanctions and education is needed, to prevent checks from becoming a nightmare for those who do not represent a danger.