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“[…] Public figures—especially elected officials—have enormous influence. Their actions speak louder than their speeches.
“When they film themselves while driving, they send a dangerous message to their followers, especially impressionable youth: that risk-taking and rule-breaking are acceptable if you’re important or influential…”
The following Letter to the Editor which criticises public figures giving soliloquies while driving was submitted to Wired868 by Dennise Demming, MSc, MBA, wellness therapist, communications coach and speaker:
I am writing to raise a serious concern about a dangerous and disappointing trend: Members of Parliament and other public figures recording themselves while driving and posting these videos to social media.
While these posts may be intended to inform or engage the public, they model behaviour that is both illegal and unsafe.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Regulation 38 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations, 2010 makes it an offence to use a mobile device while driving. This includes holding a phone to record a video. Offenders can face fines of up to $1,000 TTD and even lose their driving privileges.
(via TTPS.)
Internationally, laws are even stricter. In the UK, drivers can be fined £200 (TT$1,830) and receive six penalty points for using a phone behind the wheel. In Australia and the United States, public figures have been fined or charged under distracted driving laws for similar offences.
The issue goes far beyond legalities. It is a matter of leadership.
Public figures—especially elected officials—have enormous influence. Their actions speak louder than their speeches.
When they film themselves while driving, they send a dangerous message to their followers, especially impressionable youth: that risk-taking and rule-breaking are acceptable if you’re important or influential.
True leadership demands more. It requires self-discipline and a deep awareness that others are watching and learning. Every public act is an opportunity to reinforce responsible citizenship. Leaders must not only talk about public safety; they must embody it.
We ask our leaders to lead by positive example—to choose safety over showmanship, and to demonstrate the kind of behaviour they would expect from the people they serve.
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Dennise Demming grew up in East Dry River, Port of Spain and has more than 30 years experience as a communication strategist, political commentator and event planner. She has 15 years experience lecturing business communications at UWI and is the co-licensee for TEDxPortofSpain. Dennise is a member of the HOPE political party.
