Drivings in the blood....again!

You may have seen the re-emergence of the driving’s in the blood adverts. Firstly this advert as got to be one of the worst every seen EVER! It is very poor, lets consider the evidence, first I am not sure what it is trying to say, Teach your kid bad driving habits and see them die, Don’t drive fast, Don’t buy a batch…what? It is very confusing.

However it is obvious that there are some real driving errors, maybe this is what it’s supposed to be about, answers on a postcard if you find out.

But we can see dad accelerating as he changes down as he goes around a corner, yep that’s a smart move, we then see dad inviting Robbie to put the car in neutral, only once that as happened dad takes his foot of the foot brake before putting on the handbrake, yep another educative move.

This family deserve to die as they are dumb arses, thankfully it’s a work of fiction, no one would be that bad…would they? Mmmmmm

Drivings in the blood....again

SH1

So to the bloke driving along SH1 who thinks he is Jamie Whincup we say NO! No, sorry mate you are not a clever, highly skilled and trained V8 supercar driver, in fact you are a prat.

Lets consider the evidence, firstly you are not in a V8 of any kind but a Honda Accord, the fact that you where breaking the speed limit is stupid, then to start undertaking cars then overtaking then undertaking then overtaking, is by any stretch of the imagination even dumber. The only good news out of this appalling driving is that by the time he crashes he will be far away from me; hopefully there will not be any collateral damage, but usually its crazy drivers like this that create the mayhem and get away scot free.

As you approach the harbour bridge along SH1 the police usually park on the hard shoulder, no different yesterday, only he was to busy pulling the fluff out of his belly button to realise what was going on, maybe having your pursuit car facing traffic as opposed the CBD might help…Doh!

Christmas Nearly Here

Well the sun is shining and all is well so we are led to believe. The police are out in force and are arresting bus loads of people, quite rightly so, ya break the law ya pay the price, the good news is, theoretically those people caught will live to drive another day, however we know that the statistics over the Christmas New Year periods are going to be horrendous, we wish they weren't but you know it and I know it.

If you escape death or serious accident and are found under the influence of drink or drugs the penalties as they stand are no deterrent, it is time that the laws governing drink driving where reviewed, not with the usual knee jerk reaction, but measured and sensible policies that will improve the issue and cut the number of deaths on the road. If NZ does not step up, the carnage that is out roads will progressively get worse, which is criminal in its self. The public have a right to be protected from this slaughter and the government is failing in its responsibilities in protecting them. How many more need to die before we learn the lesson?

Silly Season

As the silly season is about to start, it’s important to realise that a substantial number of families are going to have there lives wrecked, many through no fault of there own. The police have stepped up there “booze” bus activities and already the “bust rate” is as high as ever. This does not bode well for the season to be jolly, for many it will be a season they would hope to forget.

However Kiwis still have not learnt the lessons of the past and Stephen Joyce's attitude to decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed, before you are well and truly busted and taken off the road, beggars belief, you just hope something happens to his family then you will see action, meanwhile, people will suffer at the hands of drunken drivers yet again, what a waste.

Weather

Well it’s been a quite week, so not a lot to report, except for this morning, what is it about the weather? If it rains the crazy people hit the road and try to hit me, then the sun shines and that brings out the crazy people as well, hang on……...Ah yes it’s not the weather the crazy people are on the roads all the time.




So, a big thank you to the lady, allegedly driving the blue people carrier, for trying to inspect my front bumper, I can assure you it is just fine, however the amount of brake pad wear was significant as I had to take evasive action. So just for this lady this is how it works, YOU DON’T pull in front of people without going through a correct procedure, like, mirror, indicate, mirror, and then manoeuvre if it is safe to do so, it wasn’t safe today, GET IT!!!



Also a big thank you the guy in the Hilux who waited and waited until I was about 15 metres from him then decided to do a right turn, he can’t make the actual turn to join traffic so stops and blocks the lane. More brake wear as I had to literally stop and wait for him to finish his coffee and get on his way.



Bring on the snow, then we should have some fun.

The Lull before......

So what's going on New Zealand? is this the lull before the storm I ask myself? Hopefully not. It would appear that over the past few days, I have noticed a lot of consideration on the roads, maybe the new law changes are having an effect, drivers being more observant, being more courteous, being more respectful, I don't know what it is, but I suspect it won't last, which is a pity has it makes for trouble free motoring, I reckon that I have just hit a slump and that New Zealand will be back killing each other very soon.

Which brings me to Stephen Joyce, man, his legs must ache with all the knee jerking this guy does, and we are going to get another series of instant responses to a massive problem, Kids, yes kid drivers, he will put the age limit up to 16-17 he has too, that in itself however is not the answer, the answer for ALL drivers is education and testing, the practical test is far to lenient and the theory is a joke, it cultivates a process that is insitutionalised, however as long as the government are perceived to be doing something then its ok, isn’t it?

Those lovely lady drivers are at it again!

Another new law?

Well, with all the media excitement regarding the new driving rules on the use of mobile phones in the car, one rule change that will definitely make a difference to road safety, has practically gone unnoticed I am taking about the drugs impairment rule,….,sorry the what? Yep I was a bit mystified at first. Basically the rule is  this if the police thing you might be intoxicated with either alcohol or drugs they can carry out a traditional impairment test. For the uninitiated this includes the following:

• An eye assessment – pupil size, reaction to light, lack of convergence, nystagmus (ie abnormal eye movement - irregular eye movement can be a marker for drug impairment)

• A walk and turn assessment

• A one leg stand assessment.

If you fail any or all of these you will not be allowed to drive your car for around 12 hours and you will have to supply a blood sample for analysis, with a view that you my be prosecuted, the offence carries the same penalties as drink driving.

 Will the police exceed their power, probably, will it make a difference on driving standards possibly, why didn’t this get a higher profile in the media release, well that's the kiwi way always concentrating on the wrong issue, the inference is that something like 60 potential deaths could be saved, not the two lives, welcome has that is ,that not answering the phone will potentially save. It might be a violation of your civil rights, but it is a step in the right direction to improving the terrible death toll that is New Zealand roads.

Special Vehicle Lanes

Well the firework season is over for another year, but that's not going to mean that the fireworks on the road will improve, my view as you know, are things will get worse rather than better. So one legislative tweak, that seems to be slipping under the radar, is the one that we are all tempted to break at one point or another, and that's nipping into the bus lane just to make that left turn, no one will see when we do it.

Well bless the cotton socks of this government as they have offered an explanation has to how to proceed, the fact that there are signs all over the road telling the great driving public that you cannot use these lanes between certain times, you can't park there during certain times and only certain vehicles can use them, this is shown by pretty little pictures.

Fairly self explanatory I thought, I am in a car, van or truck so I can't use these special vehicle lanes, If I drive a bus, ride a motorcycle or ride a push bike then yippe I can!!

Kiwis being so dumb they can't work this one out for themselves, so those helpful people are Land Transport are now going to enlighten us. Bring it on, (Q) so is it correct Land Transport person, that, if I drive a car, van or truck I can't use the so called bus lane? (A) well that used to be the case but not any longer,(Q) so I can use the Bus lane? (A) NO!

Hang on (Q) So I can use the bus lane, but I can't use the bus lane? (A) Correct! Thanks for that clarification, now I am really confused.

What is the Rule amendment relating to the use of special vehicle lanes?

When drivers need to cross a special vehicle lane to turn left or get to a parking space they must do it in the minimum length of the lane necessary but no more than 50 metres. (If you want to be confused more read the article at this address)

NZTA

What this means in practice, is you can use a bus lane, as most are shorter than 50 metre sections anyways.

Another plus for road safety.

Yet again

Well it's certain to be a bumper record number of deaths on the road, and when you consider that the majority of those deaths never really needed to happen, it makes it even worse, the recent campaigns run by the government obviously are not working. So is there an optimum level, have we reached the threshold, is it not possible to reduce these figures lower even as a percentage as opposed to an actual number?


Well death free motoring, would be the "Holy Grail" could you imagine a world without car deaths? Or even car accidents, well are you sitting comfortably? Then i'll begin,

Once upon a time in a land far far away......not it's not a fairy story or even make believe, it is New Zealand around 70 years ago, so the most likely death on the roads was via being hit by a passing hay bale.

Well it's obvious that we can not turn back the clock and life a simpler life at a more genteel pace, however with some thought being put into some half descent legislation and with the right level on enforcement, it is possible to reduce these terrible numbers to almost acceptable figures, single figures would be a worthy goal, but it would appear the government is as usual paying lip service to the fact that a reduction in the drink driving laws would reduce deaths per annum by around a third.

Tell that to the people who have lost loved ones by those who drink and drive, what the statistics don't tell us is the alcohol content or levels of the murderers who took these lives. (Harsh I know but then I didn’t mean to carry a knife officer was just in my pocket)

Come on National it's not rocket science, but then maybe the Alcohol lobby is far to strong in this country, whereas the telephone lobby isn't making enough financial contributions to the governments coffers.

Which brings me to the booze bus on the corner of Queens and K'Rd, nice one NZ police the congestion caused on the roads at 8am was probably worth the one person you busted and the thousands of dollars spent and setting it up, 2 police cars, stacks of cones, the booze bus and at least 4 police officers, there as to be a better spot or a better way to spend the tax payers money. Oh in case you didn't guess I was walking not driving.

Women are the Best Drivers- the evidence

It's the law!

So it’s official, you can’t use your cell phone in the car, not before time really.

However when the law was introduced on Sunday little response from the public, so I was thinking, oh yeah wait until Monday with business people, couriers and the school run, then it will be a different story, but I was wrong.

Seen two people using a phone today, not band really all things considered, maybe NZ are waking up to a reality that it's not a good look using a phone, but I doubt it, I'll give it a week, then it will start, why, ‘cos people will be having withdrawals, they are phone junkies and the need for the telephone fix is to great.

Why there isn't a response at the moment is probably because the police are being extra vigilant and are on the prowl. As an aside, one interesting development, is drivers eating drinking and generally flouting the rules on cell phone banning, by making it obvious that they are unhappy and are easily distracted by other items in the car, point taken but still crazy, I am sure there is a law like driving without due care and attention, that would cover food and coffee.

Now where's that sticky bun?

Red Lights

Wake up New Zealand, Red traffic lights are there for a reason, to protect you from on coming traffic, not so for Mr S*$t for brains this morning, out of my rear mirror baltantly runs a red light, surely being 2 mins later to the mall or work is worth that kind of crazy driving, but you know what's coming next, he is not alone, the "amber gamblers" and the "red runners" are profilic in New Zealand, unfortuantely these are the people who often escape injury and leave chaos behind them.

Death Toll

A Very bad weekend with 6 recorded deaths on the road and we have not got to the silly season yet, tragic loss of life and you know it didn't really need to happen, bit more care and attention is all that is called for and of course SLOW DOWN! people drive as if they are getting away from something, maybe they are, but thats no reason to drive recklessly.

Dumbass

Well it must be a holiday weekend, for some strange reason no ones tried to kill me, maybe we are learning the lessons, it’s not funny dying at a weekend, wait until Tuesday then the mayhem can get back to normal and I can get back to looking over my shoulder.

However just because no one was out to get me doesn't mean the lunatics have stayed at home, Oh No! not at all. I am thinking about the dumbass, who decided that turning right on to SH20 was not a good idea after all and proceeded to cut across two moving lines of traffic so she could get on the road to Three Kings, the really amazing thing was, no accident, but I am thinking, it won't be long.

Why oh why will New Zealanders constantly take the lives of themselves and their loved ones, not to mention other law abiding drivers and pedestrians and deliberately YES deliberately put them in harms way. I don't get it, someone please explain it to me.

Death Toll

Will have some fairly grim reading to post here shortly, yep the death toll is still climbing, sobering statistics that proves what I have been saying in this blog, NZ drivers are poor and need to step up their game.

It is rocket science we know, coupled with weak and knee jerk responses from government means that yet again the death toll from fatalities on the road is is triple figures 316 up to today with 2 months to run it looks like a bumper year for the funeral businesses. There as to be a better way and there is. Think before you engage gear!

More stats to come, some quite revelatory.

Women

Well it must be ladies day to day, as they are the only people trying to dispatch my to a higher state of consciousness (Heaven)

So there I am off to work, no cars in front of me good visibility, so what happens she, decides to join a queue of cars on the apex of the road, no worries, until you realise that she is blocking my lane completely, that’s ok, still 100 or so metres to go before I crash. And so I am left with a decision to make, into the bus lane or brake and stop the car in the middle of the main road, as you would expect I had to brake the law and move momentarily in the bus lane, why oh why. But wait there is more to come yet.

Another she, a fair 20 metres from a junction so one cars joins traffic, no problems there, now I am around 6 metres when she driving her little Nissan Micra, decides to “go for it”, yep I had to brake fairly hard to avoid her ass. What is New Zealand, is it the water, a row with the hubby or boyfriend, not had ya coffee, maybe you need to cause havoc on the roads, I don’t know, but please don’t take it out on me.

Incident number 3 NO NO NO your 4x4 is not a 18 wheel truck, were you can please yourself how you career down the Rd. Driving sensibly and staying alive is a good thing, with over 300 deaths on the road each year the tin box you are riding in is not a protection, and it gets worse as it’s a fact that 4x4s are the worst of all cars in an accident. Oh well I survived another day, maybe they will get me tomorrow

Phone law

Not sure why most of New Zealand as not tried to kill me today, is it possible that the rest of Auckland knows something I don’t. May it extend to another day, and another day, but I doubt it somehow, It could my own awareness is increasing, so making my journeys safer.

However, despite all that, the idiots are still out I reckon, just looking around and observing, it seems a good bet that Telecom and Vodafone had a good day today, it would appear, that with the pending law change regarding the use of mobile phones in cars, that a lot of people are trying to cover as many texts and conversations as possible before the date arrives.

I wonder is the police are up for this, policing such a law is going to be problematic if not impossible and there does seem some disdain by the public for things that are not liked, but wake up NZ this is a good law, one that will save your life, so get over it and comply

Shiny

Well the sun is shining, I am shining, the car is ....well dull, what is with the obsession in cleaning cars? the amount of detergents not matter how "green" is still going down the drains at an alarming rate and for what, so I can be shiny, using a good wax polish will inevitably cut down of the the numbers of washes required. Besides the the paint coating on cars seem to be a bit more water resistant. It's a thought.

Bliss

Isn't it just bliss, no buses on the road, the bad news is, they will probably be back on thursday, this strike come lockout as been a double edged sword, on the one hand no buses, not a bad thing at times, given the standard of some bus drivers who genuinely think they own the road, when everyone knows it taxi drivers.

On the other hand the increase in cars as meant more grid lock, a slower journey to work and the dog fight that is finding a parking space, come back bus drivers all is forgiven, I would give them the money, then we can get back to normal, and I can stay in bed for that extra half hour. Now where that $2 donation?

Update on Survey

It as to be said that it was unscientific however the verdict is in, the final result was not as bad as I predicted, but much worse than it should be, 22 times I have had to take some form of evasive action because some idiot cut me up. 3 of those incidents would have lead to a crash had not the evasive action been severe, I am taking about having to brake hard or move lanes in order to avoid a collision, and still the madness continues.

What I find amazing is that the accident rate isn't higher, I guess that's down the the defensive driving tactics New Zealanders have to adhere to.

On a more idiot note, well done the nutter in the red Alfa Rome, who decided not only to use a bus lane, an illegal move in its own right, but decided to revers up that bus lane into oncoming traffic for about 100 metres, nice one, you obvious have a death wish, I hope you get your wish soon.

Cut up update

Well it's Tuesday evening, and so far the score is 15, yes 15 times that I have been cut up by inconsiderate motorists, I must admit, at this stage I did think it would be higher, but there is another few days to go as yet. I reckon it will get to around 25.

However there is even more insidious news, thanks to the Holden driver who ran a red light and nearly took me out, I was walking to the car, what a total idiot, pity he didn't stop I was furious, genuine  pedestrian rage.

Survey

Well It needed to be done and I am currently at day two, so what is this survey? Well it's a survey to see how many times I get cut up every day over a week. So far the count is 9, which by NZ standards is quite low, however got to get through the weekend, so tis will no doubt rocket.

So what's the definition of being cut up, simple any vehicle that pulls in front of me, from any part of the road making me take some evasive action, like break, to move to avoid hitting them, simple really and something I reckon most Aucklander's have to tolerate, well I'm sorry 'cos I for one am not prepared to tolerate, what amounts to rude and dangerous behaviour, just 'cos I leave a space between to car in front doesn't mean you have to fill it, WAIT!!

I will return to this subject with an update, I reckon it will be well into double figures.

Bliss

Well I just can't believe it, on my way to and from Countdown I have just come across the best of New Zealand. No I am not delusional for once, No there is no trace of last nights alcohol, it is after all lunch time, there is a substantial amount of traffic on the roads, I have taken up my usual defensive driving position, both hands on the wheel, white knuckles showing, alert and coiled like a spring ready for evasive action, and what do I find New Zealand drivers, driving, with respect to each other.

Double check I think, yes courtesy, politeness, no blasting off horns for that mistake (anyone can make one) lots of people signaling, making correct maneuvers to the apex of the road, whats this an actual safe distance between cars, cars slowing down to accommodate pedestrians, thoughtfulness, and kindness, look over there, someone offering there parking spot to another motorist, people giving way, no amber gamblers at the traffic lights, no speeding, no drunk drivers or "P" heads. No taxis cutting you up or parking in the middle of the road, can I actually believe courteous bus drives signaling as they enter traffic................................ Drinnnnnnng Drinnnnnnng Drinnnnnng......... that damn alarm needs to be quieter, will awaken the whole street, Oh well another day another dollar.

Exhaust inspection

So why is it, almost every time I venture out, some idiot wants to get so close as to inspect my exhaust pipe? Yes the woman in the Red Mini Cooper, with the sad hair do, trying her utmost to push me off the road, these nano seconds that people save seem so important.
Don't get me wrong, I travel at the speed limit, I for one think speeding generally is for the track and not for Dominion Rd, the law seems to think so too.
What is amazing is by the time, we got to the K.Rd I was at the side of her, less frazzled and defiantly with a better hair do. now here's the rub, this will happen about 10 times in  a distance of around 5Kms, so whats the issue here? Is it our lives are so fast paced, that we don't know how to slow down? Is it, we have total disregard for the law? Is it that, we have a total disregard for the safety of other road users? Is it that, a fast car means I have to drive fast ALL the time? or is it that, many New Zealanders, just don't know any better? Answers on a postcard or better still, post them here.

Wilco taught to drive

Today's nonsense from the world of driving, sees a 5.5 year old ridgeback crossbreed, named as it would seem after an old WWII call sign, Wilco, well Wilco and out. Wilco decided that waiting for the regular driver was no longer an option, and so sat in the drivers seat,nudges the gear stick into drive and off he goes.

Fortunately, the vehicle only travels 15 metres or so, and is stopped by running into a cafe, if this incident is indicative of the poor driving behaviour of many New Zealanders I dont' know what is.

Consider the evidence, its a 2 ton Ute, it's unoccupied, the dog is not restrained in the vehicle a law breaking event as it is, what happend the the hand brake, why is the engine running? Yet another law breaking event.

I hope the dog gets 100 demerit points and the owner banned for ever, the reality is that, it will be shrugged off, .cos that's the NZ way, suggesting of course that such behaviour is acceptable. It's time NZ police started to wise up to the carnage thats is NZ roads, after all they are the ones that arrive first to an accident scene to view the sickening mayhem and this sort of behaviour needs to be punished so to send the correct messages to all and sundry. What's worse, Wilco probably got his driving skills from watching the owner.

Irresponsibility is irresponsible and drivers need to be held accountable. Here tiddles time for your first driving lesson.

Mobile Phones

So it's official, the use of mobile phones will be banned from use whilst driving, hooray! could it be the Government are actually concerned about Road Safety, Mmmm that would be a first ay?

Still it's a step in the right direction, the fact that you can still use hands free kits, somewhat defeats the process, but this is one to watch over the next year, will it impact on the accident rate? probably not, and why not? well it will be very difficult to police, unless you dob people in, but thats been tried before with drink drivers and doesn't really work either, so why have the law changed, well, I am sure you realise that ALL governments have to been seen to be doing something, irrespective if it works or not.

Give Way

And so I am proceeding towards the top of Queen St. in Auckland when I spot a handy parking space, signaling to turn right I make my maneuver to the center of the road, waiting for the all clear. Then the mayhem begins as the driver approaching me decides he to is going to get a handy parking space, lo and behold he now has to give way to let me go.

You can hear the screeching of tyres meters away, as all of a sudden 6 cars following all have to brake hard ( the fact that people tailgate as been discussed before and will be a constant source of contention) the good news on this occasion, no accident, but it as to be said, IT'S A DUMB LAW!! and needs changing NOW!

Undertaking = Undertakers

Undertaking = Undertakers

You would think that this would be obvious to the majority of road users, but no, the rule is simple, you over take a vehicle by overtaking on the right, after you have checked that it is safe to do so, so why this dangerous practise of undertaking, on State Highways it is a real problem.

The Police seem to be oblivious to this style of driving, and do little to discourage it, it would appear that it is one of those poor driving laws inherited from Australia, where it is still OK to undertake, although reading between the lines I think this will change over the next few years and become illegal. come on NZ good road habits and live longer.

Bad Drivings in the Blood

Drivings in the Blood

You must have seen the recent commercial, driving is in the blood, come on how pathetic, kid is encouraged to change gear whilst dad is driving.

Then it gets worse, on pulling up at the Bach, the car gear lever is shifted into neutral before the handbrake is applied, No wonder this kid ends up off the road and in a field, yet another road casualty.

What is really frightening, this commercial is sponsored and paid for by the NZ Police, Land Transport and the Standards agency....Duh! if the government can't get it right, then what is the point?

Bad Habits create Bad Drivers!

Tailgating

It will come as no surprise to the average driver on New Zealands roads, that Kiwis, do rank as some of the poorest drives in the western world.

With yet again the death toll rising, and the obvious tele-mercials, NOT getting the message across, the standard of driving in New Zealand is bad.

Tailgating, is not just a New Zealand issue, but it has become a national sport, are those nano seconds to get to the next set of traffic lights that important?

Is the close inspection of the car in front of you, tail pipe really that necessary? NO and yet every day impatient Kiwis will endanger lives and for what to get home 3 seconds earlier.

I run the gauntlet everyday, I try to leave a sensible braking distance at least 2 car lenghts, but you know whats going to happen, some ignorant so called driver, cuts you up and by the time we have travelled 3 or 4 kilometers down the road, they are still only a car or so in front of me, so what is the point?