I agree with Deon here. Severe punishment gets you no where. I also agree with the above statement that someone who accidently kills another pays for it the rest of there life, regardless of the "punishment" set by "law" . Punishment doesn't work because not enough people have been educated about said punishment. Blame it on the media or whoever here, it really doesn't matter.

That being said, I think Milio had some great ideas. Education is the key here. MSF classes are a great thing for anyone (not to mention they are fun). I believe that if people were aware of how easy it is to "not see a motorcyclist" they would be a little more cautious. Incorporating motorcycle awareness into drivers training and also having some questions regarding motorcycles on the drivers test could help immensely. Questions like: If a motorcyclist flashes his lights at you, does that mean that he has given you the right of way?; True or False: The reason for following motorcycles at a greater distance is because motorcycles take longer to slow down that cars.; When a motorcycle is behind you, you should: A. Slow down. B. Speed Up. C. Pull off to the right side of your lane of travel so that the motorcyclist may pass you more easily (this one annoys the ****** out of me). D. Maintain speed.; etc., etc. It doesn't take long to come up with some good questions, sampling questions from the motorcycle license test for the normal drivers test may not be a bad idea either.
Another thing that would be nice would be some simple simulators. Things like: pulling out of an intersection and a motorcycle is coming your way. Possibly use the same type of optical illusion that MSF had on their website about the reason sometimes people don't see an oncoming motorcycle (everyone loves an optical illusion, maybe it will click that people need to take extra caution when pulling out of a driveway or intersection). Also, and I like this one, as I was run off the road tonight: have someone put a cardboard cut out of a motorcycle in the drivers blind spot after they have parallel parked during the driving test. Make them realize that they must look over their shoulder when changing lanes because there could be another vehicle there.

O,K, I'm done with my rant.

'03 Speedmaster, neglected and being nursed back to good health. An honest shop in PA: www.234motorsports.com