German car maker Volkswagen has produced a series of ads based on “fun theory”, the simple idea that if something is fun or if there’s something in it for you, you are more likely to do it than if you’re just “supposed to”.
It’s pretty simply psychology, yet if we look at everything we’re supposed to do, that fact is very rarely taken into account by authorities.
One of the ads is about a special speed camera (see the video below). Like a regular speed camera, it can fine drivers who go over the speed limit, but there’s also a carrot to go with that stick.
If you follow the speed limit, you are entered into a lottery with cash prizes! This is not only good law enforcement, but I also think there’s a big green angle…
Indirectly, this would make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce fuel consumption and air pollution, and potentially reduce stress.
It might even save drivers some time because lots of traffic lights are timed based on posted speed limits, so if you don’t speed, you have a higher chance of catching green lights. Win-win-win…
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