Vlaams Belang (VB) wants the filming and distribution of images of traffic victims to be made a punishable offence, according to VB parliamentarian Frank Troosters.
He made remarks to this effect following an announcement that about 50 drivers who took footage of a fatal traffic accident on the E40 near Groot-Bijgaarden will receive official citations.
"This kind of behavior behind the wheel is not only disrespectful, but also life-threatening,” said Troosters, who tabled a similar bill in parliament earlier this summer. “In our opinion, the filming and distribution of images of traffic victims should be punishable.”
Halle-Vilvoorde Prosecutor Ine Van Wymeersch announced that the 50 drivers who took images of the fatal traffic accident with their mobiles would each receive a citation for using a mobile phone at the wheel, and endangering other road users, since they lost sight of the roadway and surrounding traffic when filming.
The filming motorists were driving in the direction of Ghent, the side of the roadway that had remained open to traffic.
Vlaams Belang said it agreed with the prosecutor that such behavior showed a total lack of respect for the victims involved, while constituting a major danger for road safety.
“Last month we submitted a bill in this regard in which the content is similar to the vision of the public prosecutor, but where a separate charge is created, carrying heavier sanctions,” Troosters explained.
“As is done abroad, these violations should be punishable with a prison sentence of three months and a fine of €500 to €2,500, or with either of these penalties alone.”
