Don't Drive Like a ****

**StevieF8** · 06-08-2012, 10:06 AM

Controversial 'Don't drive like a...' road safety campaign causes stir in Oz

A controversial road safety campaign featuring 'offensive' signs has sparked a war of words between Australian MPs, with one calling for their removal.

'Offensive': A new road safety campaign has caused controversy in Australia (Picture: File)

Three giant billboards used in the campaign have caused particular offence, with one informing Australian motorists 'not to drive like a knob'.
The signs, placed prominently on a motorway running between South Australia and Victoria, have attracted a host of complaints from residents.
It prompted independent MP Bob Such to write a letter to road safety minister Jennifer Rankine, on behalf of his constituency, calling for their removal.

South Australian motorists receive some more friendly advice (Picture: File)

'Three signs in particular were considered to be offensive and degrading to our state - namely those which used pictures to suggest that drivers should drive carefully and not be a w****r, a c**k or a knob,' explained Mr Such.
'In particular, the travellers felt the signs were an irresponsible and unfortunate introduction to visitors to SA.'
However the removal demand has been rejected by South Australia officials, with Ms Rankine arguing that the results of the campaign 'vastly outweigh it being labelled as irresponsible'.

Another of the controversial road signs (Picture: File)

She said: 'The campaign visually implies words that more closely reflect the everyday language of its target audience.

'Judging the level of offence of a word is subjective. However, the Motor Accident Commission believes current community standards would not categorise the words used in the campaign as strong or obscene.
'Prior research showed that campaigns using humour and regional residents using "real" language would be well received by the target audience.'
The campaign has shown encouraging results, with a reported reduction in drink driving, speeding and seatbelt non-compliance.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/907206-...#ixzz22l7KAgZO

**Perthbum** · 06-08-2012, 10:08 AM

Australian drivers are shocking...I love the signs.

**Shell15** · 06-08-2012, 10:11 AM

We agree on something PB!!! .. I think there great as well!

**Freckleface** · 06-08-2012, 10:18 AM

I think they are great. They will get more attention than boring signs.

**noworriesmate** · 06-08-2012, 10:25 AM

The Tv campaign was even better - I can't imagine this being shown in the UK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akMwE...=results_video

NWM

**starlight7** · 06-08-2012, 10:26 AM

They look like they are out in the Outback somewhere- haven't seen them round here. I think they are funny, more likely to have an effect than those vile ones showing road deaths.

**Jackinabox** · 06-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Who said the Aussies dont have a sense of humour. More of them I say. Perhaps the backpackers could travel using them as landmarks. "You are now entering Alice Springs so dont drive like a wanchor". "You are now entering Surfers Paradise so dont drive like the local wanchors" etc etc. Would make some cool photos opportunities and much better than Tourism Australia advertising 23 missing persons every year and buried in the outback.

If those signs where put up in the Uk they would be defaced, stolen or would be described as an outrage to public decency. oooops the Aussies are saying the same. Ya just cant please everyone.

**StevieF8** · 06-08-2012, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Jackinabox

If those signs where put up in the Uk they would be defaced, stolen or would be described as an outrage to public decency. oooops the Aussies are saying the same. Ya just cant please everyone.

Australia has always been a Country that called a spade a spade, some people don’t like it, but it’s a hell of a lot better than all this political correctness crap that the UK has landed itself with

**Stovies** · 06-08-2012, 10:38 AM

Ha ha, we have these signs just up the road from us.. I love them!

**Freckleface** · 06-08-2012, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by starlight7

They look like they are out in the Outback somewhere- haven't seen them round here. I think they are funny, more likely to have an effect than those vile ones showing road deaths.

Back in the days of no speed limits in the unpopulated areas of outback NT we came across some great road signs. My favorite was a 40 gallon drum with a hand painted sign saying 'lift ya foot' just before a really sharp bend. Around the bend there was another drum with a sign that said 'OK plant it'.