In the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of road accidents. Thus, some people believed that tougher penalties were the only way to enhance road safety. To a certain point, I would agree with the statement, but there are other alternative approaches that may be taken to address this problem.
On the one hand, imposing a stricter punishments for irresponsible drivers would reduce driving offences and make road safer. For example, when a road-user uses a mobile phone while driving car, which may cause traffic accidents, is a dangerous act. However, due to the light punishment, many people still use it while driving. Should the authority change the punishment into a heavier one, people will consider twice before using the phone while driving. Besides, violation of any traffic rule can lead to a several accident and if the punishment is made a stern, people would likely obey them.
On the other hand, solely punitive measures are insufficient to achieve long-term safety. there is another method that the government could use in improving road safety besides having a stricter punishment. The government could make a campaign about safety driving through various media which would show the effect of careless driving. For instance, the government could make a safety video about road safety and upload it in social media since the message will be effectively spread in this kind of media. As more people are watching these videos, it is hoped that drivers will have a clearer view of safety driving.
In conclusion, to a certain extent, I agree that having a stricter punishment would improve road safety. But I also believe that it should also be supported with other ways, and one of them is by giving audio-visual shows about safety driving.