Traffic
It’s highly annoying when recounting a tale of woe, pouring your heart out and shaking your fist, only to hear an unsympathetic someone crow: “That’s nothing, mate … blah, blah, blah … my neck’s bigger than yours.”
So when I hear Australians complaining about how other Australians drive, I tend just to nod my head rather than thicken my neck. I tend not to mention the past 10 years sharing asphalt with the Italians, for whom the speed of light is considered conservative, in the wet, in reverse, in their driveways.
That’s not to suggest I haven’t seen daredevil tactics in Oz. Despite the recent “good news” about 2011 registering the lowest number of road deaths since 1946, we still have our share of hoons, road rage and drink-driving are still a problem, and if I had a dollar for every P-plater I saw texting while driving… It’s as though they think you can steer with a smartphone. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to, if Darwinism extends to gadgets.
Continue reading "Think Aussie drivers are bad? Stop & give way to these guys" »
How can you tell the difference between a newly-elected government and a party that’s been in power for nearly a decade?
A newly-elected government is happy to admit that things could be done better.
A classic case in point this week was the new Liberal Government in NSW switching off 38 speed cameras deemed to have no real safety benefit.
Continue reading "Anti-speeding schemes need some acceleration" »
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Sam Raine says:
It would definitely be good if the government took active steps in getting rid of what is not working and instead find better ways to stop the speeding problem. Having a cctv or speed camera at spots that are not even dangerous could lead to more serious repercussions, and I… Read more »
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LC says:
Acotrel, the government does not need to build anything for them, they have far better things to spend taxpayer money on. You’ve seen the cars these people drive. How much money do you think they put into them? They can get together with a few mates, pool thier money together,… Read more »
As we embark on another busy holiday period on our roads, I’m reminded of a tragic story.
It was late at night. A car ran a red light and an innocent family was in trouble.
As a police officer, I was one of the first on the scene. The father had died on impact in the car. The mother – who was given CPR by ambulance officers – also died at the scene.
Continue reading "This year, let’s not accept road tolls as normal" »
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The Driver says:
Has anyone driven the Pacific Highway recently? The newly laid (over the top of the old) sections of road anywhere north of Kempsey are a disgrace, and whoever has the contract for such works should not be paid. I do not mean the temporary tarmac laid for diversions while new… Read more »
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Reggie says:
I fear you are suggesting that all motor-cycle deaths are the fault of the others for not keeping a special eye out for motor-cyclists acotrel? Perhaps I need to point out, that it was the rider who knowingly put himself in such a dangerous situation with the full knowledge… Read more »
Everyone should abide by driving laws but I reckon there’s a need for a guide to driving etiquette.
Is it just me or are drivers becoming more agitated, more selfish and lacking any respect for other motorists? They aren’t necessarily breaking the law, they just make driving more annoying.
Gone are the days when driving was a pleasure. Today it’s a means of getting from one place to another with the least amount of aggro.
Continue reading "A reasonable person’s guide to modern driving" »
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Leslie says:
I had someone wave me out when the coast was supposedly clear….straight into the path of an oncoming car! Worst accident I’ve ever had. I would never trust ANYONE waving to me that it safe to proceed…there are no consequences for them if they get it wrong! Read more »
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david says:
@Tom (who said that he would only pay $1.80 for rego considering how much his bike weighs), Cars, station wagons and trucks up to 975kg cost $238… sooo you would pay $238 if push bikes were classed in the same category. Read more »
At the outset I declare that I am unashamedly pro-bike. Cycling is a great sport, a clean form of transport, and has undoubted health benefits for those who regularly ride.
Most years the annual “pollie pedal” route is through my electorate – as was the case this year. Had I not been heavily pregnant, I would have ridden with the team again (albeit for a short distance).
But I have to say: what’s the deal with designated bike lanes?
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Anna says:
You’re right Scott, I was obviously an idiot for assuming that you would understand that I was using a figure of speech with “cost nothing”. I was on the V1 today, or the “brisbane bikeway” as you call it. I suggest you borrow a bike and take it. And take… Read more »
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Arios says:
In Japan people are allowed to cycle on the footpaths - everywhere. Hardcore cyclists can still ride on the road, but is certainly way more riskier. The footpaths provide a safe alternative for children and slower cyclists. The only downside is that pedestrians have to constantly watch out for bicycles… Read more »
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