In some countries, fines for traffic violations that are many times higher than fines in Arizona and throughout the United States seem to have a deterrent effect on inattentive driving that leads to serious vehicle crashes. But transportation engineer and Fulton Schools Professor Ram Pendyala says raising fines probably would not by itself result in making driving safer on Phoenix streets and highways. Pendyala recommends that better roadway design and public awareness and education efforts need to be part of a solution to the rising numbers of auto collisions.