Lane Hopping

Well it is obvious that, those drivers in a BIG hurry are in fact the biggest idiots on the road, here's a tip.... GET UP EARLIER...Doh! But no I'll have that extra five minutes in bed and then screw everyone on the road 'cos I'm late. Major problem in New Zealand is the lack of consideration of other road users, but then why should I, It's my life. So lets look at the 3 incidents this morning all deriving from impatience or trying to get to somewhere in a hurry. So these 3 drivers are trying to lane hop, overtake, on the crown of the road or worse using the bus lane, in one situation the car blocked the bus lane so much the bus had to stop for them, what's that use your mirrors...don't be silly. So by the time we get to the city all 3 drivers have gained no advantage, are suitably stressed and will probably take it out on someone at work or worse on the kids later.

What is desperately needed in this country is a stronger driving test and one that is conducted more frequently, better policing would help as well.

3s Up

Well thank you to the guy who tried to force me off the road, what's with Toyota Corolla drivers? do they feel so inadequate or something that they have to try to bully people on the road? So there I am driving to work, heading for the city, travelling I might add around 50kmph on a 50km road and so it starts, the flashing lights  and the speeding up so he almost rear ends me. Now listen here Mr Corolla, such actions are not going to speed me up I am impervious to such taunting, but I just don't get it, the increase in speed would have meant both of us breaking the law, putting each other at risk and jeopardizing other road users Nah I don't think so. I wonder if he had any difficulty interpreting my hand signals?

Rain

Well the rain is arriving in sheets as winter takes it's grip on New Zealand. This should in all reality make a significant difference to driving attitudes and skills, but no, that's not the kiwi way. why would you want to drive to the conditions, where's the sport in that. greasy roads, slippery conditions, visibility reduced all ingredients for an increase in the accident rate and so it shall prove.The need for kiwis to be somewhere in a hurry, is the underlying cause presently for some crazy antics. get up earlier New Zealand and give yourself plenty of time. This is not a sport, it is very serious, people die in these conditions and Auckland having sub-tropical weather makes driving conditions hazardous. So slow down and keep away from me, it's not my problem that you are late, and i don't see why i should be made to pay, for you being slack. Which brings me to the point I am trying to make. Main road, some rain, visibility down, but not serious, it's at this point that those who normally blind you with their fog lamps, don't have them on.....what? So the lady who obviously was late, was either going to end up in a box 6 feet underground or be responsible for putting someone else there. This metal box you laughingly call a car is no protection. when will you realise it is a deadly weapon and more than once it as been in the work hands.

It doesn't get any better

Been out of the loop for a little while, testing, observing, and generally avoiding being killed on what is laughingly called the New Zealand Roads. Whilst it is obvious that some raging chemical change takes place with most kiwis heads, this is a phenomenon that appears world wide. but why? I have tried to research the subject  but to no avail. How is that normal, rational, friendly, gregarious individuals, go through this metamorphic process, leading to aggressive, thoughtless, uncaring, reckless drivers, crazy is not the word for it.

So whats the answer? I have no idea, when I find out I will be a millionaire that's for sure having sold the book and film rights.

However there are somethings that could be done to alleviate the situation. Make the driving test tougher, have people resit the driving test ,say every 3-5 years, these items themselves will over time improve road safety and improve driving ability. Will the government respond? Nah! There isn't the political will to make substantial and workable policies. the knee jerk reaction that is the hall mark of successive governments is and indictment of the pathetic ways road deaths are viewed in New Zealand

Shocking Easter

You know it's holiday time when the death toll on the roads hits double figures,11 when will NZ learn? Never it would seem. The driving standards in this country are appalling and the carnage will continue until the government actually decides to do something about it rather than just tinker with the system to appease a few of the lobbyists in society.

So what is the answer? It's obvious that  driving standards need to improve, so start with those who are constant breakers on the law,those who drive under the influence of anything, those caught speeding on a regular basis, taking them off the road for a period of time only resolves the potential issues short term and these are long term issues, so everyone banned for whatever reason MUST take a driving test again both theory and practical.

Secondly the actual driving test itself needs to be more stringent, at the moment it is a bit of a joke and prepares no one for actually driving on NZs roads.

Thirdly it should be compulsory for everyone in NZ to re-sit the driving test every 3-5 years,this would have a significant effect over time on the driving behaviour of New Zealanders.

These proposals would not be popular with the general public, but tell that to the families of those who have lost loved ones over the Easter period