Car Crime

This is the first book to survey the extensive area of car crime, treating it as a coherent whole despite its disparate and varied nature. Its starting point is that the stereotypical representation of car crime -- theft of and from vehicles -- while very important, provides too narrow a definition and should be broadened to include offending involving drivers and wider society. Yet other than vehicle-related theft, it is arguable that car crime is rarely perceived as 'real crime' or as serious by drivers, the criminal justice system or the state, which is surprising in view of the extent of social harm caused.Locating car crime as a product of car culture, the book considers the historical roots of crime legislation involving cars and driving, through to current legislation and its effects and implications. It also addresses matters of crime control and prevention, and views car crime in relation to masculinity, gender and car usage issues. Topics such as road rage, mobile phone use, and the perspectives of crash victims and bereaved are explored; other chapters cover theft of and from cars, impaired driving (alcohol, drugs and fatigue), speeding, dangerous and careless driving, unlicensed driving and car crime in wider society.