The gradual decline in driving standards

[Roddez]

The news of the government’s latest revenue raising exercise in the form of mobile speed cameras has prompted me to write this missive. The authorities appear to be placing such an emphasis on speeding to my mind, but paying little attention to other driving transgressions that ultimately reflect the growing decline in driving standards.

Recently I have noticed that the stop and crossing lines at traffic lights are being changed. Previously they were all solid white lines, but the crossing lines are now being replaced with dashed white lines. In fact, next time you pull up to a set of traffic lights, of if you are waiting to cross, just have a look at where some drivers stop.

But the inability to stop at traffic lights is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of declining driving standards. Who comes to a complete stop at a stop sign now? Try it and watch as the car behind almost ends up in your boot and then abuses you for stopping! How about indicating – when did you see someone indicate correctly at a roundabout? Or for that matter, how many people to do you see who just don’t bother to use their indicator? Those who just drift from one lane to another when there is no clear need to change lanes. Then there are the illegal U-turns, illegal lane changes and the number of people with a mobile phone glued to their ear.

Whilst all of the things above are illegal, there are the insidious factors that effect driving for all the other users on the road. There are people who just don’t keep up with the flow of traffic and others who needlessly tailgate drivers who are doing the speed limit. Then there are drivers who have no regard for the other users on the road and needlessly hold up traffic because they are too slow or lazy to get out of the flow of traffic to turn or stop. There are people who look no further ahead than at the car in front and let’s not forget that group of selfish drivers who jump the traffic queue just to get a whole two car lengths ahead. And then there are the people who just don’t concentrate on driving the car they are in!

A couple of years ago, the New Zealand traffic authorities decided to do something about one small aspect of driving standards – indicating at roundabouts. They started warning and then fining drivers for not indicating correctly. I have heard stories about police sitting in the middle of roundabouts to enforce these rules. But the interesting this is that it worked – go to New Zealand now and you will see the vast majority of drivers who indicate correctly at a roundabout.

Then there are other issues to do with cars that have broken tail lights, badly misaligned headlights and people who put the small number plate on the back of the car. Again, minor issues but again indicative of a decline in our care and attention to what happens on the roads.

After all, it is so much easier to install a speed camera on a pole, or put one in a car and hide it behind a tree. That will generate revenue! I realise that the Police have enough on their plate today, but perhaps it’s time to bring back the traffic units, or take away the laser speed guns from the highway patrol and ask them to enforce driving standards. And after all, if we were all better drivers wouldn’t the roads be a safer place to be with fewer accidents?

[nytrojen]

I think coyote summed it up best in another post: "one costs money and is difficult, the other makes money and is easy"

Though I'm with you 110%

[Posseltperformance]

mmmm living in Sydney is great isn't it?! - the further you drive out of Sydney the better the driving becomes, whats a strange phenomenon.

[mitch2147]

Not using indicators is the worst thing on the road. I have nearly been wiped out so many times in roundabouts and at T intersections.

The other thing is women putting make up on while driving

[Kevlar GT]

One of the most releiving moments in terms of driving to work for me has been the removal and replacement of stop signes with give way signs around my immediate work area. I am the person that DOES stop at stop signs and yes, as mentioned, there were too many times when the driver behind only just managed to stop and more than a few occasions where they felt the need to express their anger at why I would choose to do what I had done - obey the traffic rules!

How many times the gap I leave between the car in front and me (my small safety buffer) is filled by the sudden swerve from the lane beside me followed by the mandatory slamming on the brakes when they realise they have f-all room is beyond counting.

I don't do the right thing all the time but I reckon I am well above the average.

[Turtlez]

One of the most releiving moments in terms of driving to work for me has been the removal and replacement of stop signes with give way signs around my immediate work area. I am the person that DOES stop at stop signs and yes, as mentioned, there were too many times when the driver behind only just managed to stop and more than a few occasions where they felt the need to express their anger at why I would choose to do what I had done - obey the traffic rules!

How many times the gap I leave between the car in front and me (my small safety buffer) is filled by the sudden swerve from the lane beside me followed by the mandatory slamming on the brakes when they realise they have f-all room is beyond counting.

I don't do the right thing all the time but I reckon I am well above the average.

I agree with ya kev, I noticed a lack of blinkers, especially around the city, on northbourne, and also around my house, people just change lanes with no blinker, F**king annoys the hell outta me.

[Mr04Liberty]

Right behind you Rod...
Level of skill and common sense on these sydney roads is appaulling
cant believe how many people drive with a phone on there ear or yes even woman putting on make up
Even the old time one of indicating and moving at the same time whats the point of indicating at all
Cops im sure call it neg driving but then they get challenged in court have to produce more paper work turn up to the court date which gets pushed back and maybe 3 months later the driver gets off due to an easy judge,
My mate is a cop and this happens way too often which is dissapointing that people keep getting off these things so easily
Which just makes cops feel like there wasting there time...
What can be done... not just another f*#%ing camera...

[DJC]

Couldn't agree more Rod. I've had this discussion many times with various people over the years. I'd like to hear what peoples suggestions are for solutions to these problems?

My suggestion is a mandatory test with the renewal of your driver's license. If you fail, you still get your license, but you must sit another test until you pass. This would re-introduce road rules and regulations and update changes. I know rules i learnt when i had my L plates have since changed. I also learnt in the ACT which is different to NSW, yet no one tested my knowledge of the NSW rules when i moved here.

Thoughts or suggestions?

[GTB Liberty]

I agree with the above whole heartedly, however, this isn't just limited to Sydney. Try coming to Perth where the drivers are absolutely shocking.

There is no failing "standard" - most think they don't even have a "duty" to drive correctly.

[Roddez]

My suggestion is a mandatory test with the renewal of your driver's license.

A test at the RTA prior to renewing your license is a good suggestion. To take it further and enforce a road test every few years would sadly be a logistical nightmare...

As an aside, I note that drivers over 80 must renew their licenses, but purely from an age/skill/reaction time perspective. Imagine having to do a driving test at 80, 62 years since your first one....

I think the answer lies in more enforcement of bad driving. The technology exists now to place warnings on drivers records and most activities involving police cars are now caught on camera from a number of angles. I also think a campaign from motoring bodies and State RTA bodies would also be a good start. Less emphasis on speed and more emphasis on other bad driving.

[Kevlar GT]

Less emphasis on speed and more emphasis on other bad driving.

You got my vote mate.

[smythie]

My suggestion is a mandatory test with the renewal of your driver's license.

A test at the RTA prior to renewing your license is a good suggestion. To take it further and enforce a road test every few years would sadly be a logistical nightmare....

The moment a government has the balls to implement this I will be the first to hand in my licence to go through the procedure of showing my competence to comply with road rules and ability to drive safely.

Coupled with mandatory comprehensive driver training, I think it would be one of the best methods of managing road tolls. A logistical nightmare? maybe if you look at it like a negative politician (or optimism bias fanatic - who if their theory is correct is suffering from optimism bias themselves ) but if you take a positive look at it, you will be expanding at least 2 small markets tremendously - driver training operators and driver competency assessors. You'd also be generating quite a few more public servant jobs. More jobs sounds pretty good to me

[Lukovitch]

What a logical way to spend all that speeding fine revenue Smythie! Free compulsory advanced driving courses!!!

[smythie]

I don't expect it to be free. But subsidised for sure.

[austin]

I agree. Driving through Springvale in VIC is an absolute nightmare. Every time I go down to the main shopping area and park I half expect to have my car written off. The proposal of driver education/courses to keep up to date with the rules is an excellent idea.