Reputation Effects in Driving
By Ian
I'm not sure what overall effect it might have, since the punishment mechanism seems a bit nonexistant -- save for being able to send a postcard indicating the recipient has been "wired" -- but if you run across a bad driver and have chance to record the license plate, try feeding it to PlateWire. In their own words:
PlateWire is a public repository and electronic forum of drivers by drivers. Using a drivers license plate, commuters can communicate their thoughts and feelings in regards to driving on today's roadways. Report and flag bad drivers, award good drivers, and even flirt with cute drivers.
Ok, so that last bit strikes me as a bit cloying (and ripe with potential for abuse), but I like the idea of a user-generated driving quality database. While the level of frustration (rage? of each driver is completely subjective, it might help to know not only where the most frustrating drivers are, but where you would find the most frustrated ones as well.