Traffic, Mr Editor, traffic: it seems everyone has an opinion about the problem and the solution — and why not?

We are all drivers, riders or users of the road in some way, form or fashion; and if we are all a part of the problem — and we are — then we should all be part of the solution.

Road summits are good. So, too, will be any sustained multifaceted education campaign. But a one-off big police crackdown, I am not so sure. That rush-hour blitz on East Broadway seemed to create some ill-will. But don’t get me wrong, I am not against a stronger police presence on our roads. On the contrary.

Here’s my view — and I appreciate the opportunity to get this off my chest.

When it comes to driving and driving habits on Bermuda’s roads, I subscribe to the broken windows theory of policing. Say what? You know, the broken windows approach that was employed in the Big Apple by Police Chief William J Bratton during his first stint as NYC’s Commissioner of Police to crack down on crime.

The part I like is this: fix and attend to the problems when they are still small. Show a presence and by a presence show a concern. The point is not just to show the community’s zero tolerance for any criminal activity, including minor matters, but through police presence also demonstrate a commitment to ensuring quality of life for all.

It is arguably an approach that we needed employed on the roads years ago.

A culture of entitlement on our roads has emerged instead. Bad habits have become embedded and apparently acceptable and accepted behaviour on our roads. Clawing back will prompt plenty of pushback. It is going to be a big challenge.

No question that it has got to the point that we cannot just police, arrest or ticket our way out of the problem. Still, we can hope for a greater police presence to start.

Drivers do some of the things they do because, in my view, they can. There is no one about to stop them. You see what I mean every day if you travel our roads:

• Double parking, wherever and whenever convenient no matter the hour or circumstance.

• Running red lights: check out the top of Spurling Hill during rush hour in the morning. Yellow means speed up and red means really, really accelerate before the other light turns green.

• Failing to stop and give way or to indicate the direction in which the driver intends to proceed: everybody else guess.

• Riding the third lane — weaving in and out and often at speed. The practice is so prevalent I figure they must have a special licence: I assume TCD issues one, yes? By the way, how much are they?

• Following too closely: be careful when you stop out of courtesy to let someone in. The driver behind will honk like mad and give you the finger, that is if he doesn’t strike your car. I know, it’s happened to me.

• Cell phone usage: Can you hear me now? I thought this was now against the law.

• Speeding.

• Overtaking on blind corners.

The list isn’t exhaustive. Readers can and will add their own. But here’s my point: there’s a good chance some of these offences could easily be curbed by a police presence alone at spots and at times when they are known to occur.

Much like the effect radar traps seem to have on drivers who know the police are there.

It may help change our deteriorating driving culture.

Random roadside checks might not be bad either. I appreciate the constitutional point: the right to move freely throughout Bermuda. But there’s also the proviso that infringement may occur if it is in the interest of public safety and reasonably justifiable.

I don’t know about you, Mr Editor, but I believe the awful stats and stories on DUI. It is time to work out a way.