Road Rule discussion

[JohnK]

Why does merging have to be so difficult? Merge lanes was fine. Change lanes? Zip merging?

 

[Moopere]

Re: Grammar Discussions

In practice, if you are merging from a lane about to end, usually you will go at a speed which will allow you to merge into the new lane without stopping. If you couldn't do this, either you're moving too slow, the lane you're merging into has several vehicles, or you're stuck in traffic.

If only Perth drivers understood this concept. Over here people seem to enjoy merging into freeway traffic (100km/h) at 80km/h or less, even without heavy traffic, then slowly, ever so slowly, grind up to 100km/hr ... generally speaking the on-ramps are long enough, but they just seem to have no idea.

 

[medhead]

Maybe the joining lanes are too short?

Around suburban adelaide I think it's more that some people's brains are too short. Yes, not a motorway, but I can think of one left turn zip lane that is at least 50m long, more than enough to hit 60 km/h. The number of people who stop right on the left turn and wait is astounding. But then I've had the continuing traffic abuse me when there is a clear run, I plant the right foot and merge as per a zip, into a 2 car length gap, 50 m later.

 

[blackcat20]

Thanks for the heads up!

Victoria has a similar rule it seems... 'zip merging':

So many people don't understand the zip merge which results in unwarranted aggro.

 

[Moody]

So many people don't understand the zip merge which results in unwarranted aggro.

That's nothing compared to the total ignorance about roundabouts ....

 

[SeatBackForward]

That's nothing compared to the total ignorance about roundabouts ....

Aren't they those speed bumps where whomever enters the fastest has the right of way?

 

[Deleted member]

That's nothing compared to the total ignorance about roundabouts ....

My favorite is turning right from the left hand lane. (on a roundabout)

 

[Moody]

My favorite is turning right from the left hand lane.

Only a real bother in Melbourne, but on a similar note ... how about the drivers that swing out to the right before making a left turn. I'm not talking about trucks and buses (who generally indicate their intentions), but clueless car drivers. The bizarre thing is it seems the smaller the car the more prevalent this behaviour is.

 

[chelzmalee]

Only a real bother in Melbourne, but on a similar note ... how about the drivers that swing out to the right before making a left turn. I'm not talking about trucks and buses (who generally indicate their intentions), but clueless car drivers. The bizarre thing is it seems the smaller the car the more prevalent this behaviour is.

Oh I see that all the time in country NSW, too.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Only a real bother in Melbourne, but on a similar note ... how about the drivers that swing out to the right before making a left turn. I'm not talking about trucks and buses (who generally indicate their intentions), but clueless car drivers. The bizarre thing is it seems the smaller the car the more prevalent this behaviour is.

I don't mind that... as long as they take corner with reasonable speed! Nothing worse than drivers who make a left turn soooo slowly they only allow a couple of cars to get through after them during a green light!

 

[SeatBackForward]

Only a real bother in Melbourne, but on a similar note ... how about the drivers that swing out to the right before making a left turn. I'm not talking about trucks and buses (who generally indicate their intentions), but clueless car drivers. The bizarre thing is it seems the smaller the car the more prevalent this behaviour is.

From the time I spent living in Melbourne (of course this all based on my own experiences only), one aspect of driving that I found only occurs in Melbourne, compared to Sydney, is the prevalence of cars who drive up the left hand lane at traffic lights, knowing that after lights, the lane ends because of parked cars. In Sydney you'll tend to see *most* cars stay in the right lane, and only those who feel the urge to speed past, or drive aggressively will try to do an F1 Launch from the left lane. But, in Melbourne, it'd be the little old ladies in their shoeboxes doing that!

 

[blackcat20]

From the time I spent living in Melbourne (of course this all based on my own experiences only), one aspect of driving that I found only occurs in Melbourne, compared to Sydney, is the prevalence of cars who drive up the left hand lane at traffic lights, knowing that after lights, the lane ends because of parked cars. In Sydney you'll tend to see *most* cars stay in the right lane, and only those who feel the urge to speed past, or drive aggressively will try to do an F1 Launch from the left lane. But, in Melbourne, it'd be the little old ladies in their shoeboxes doing that!

Anything to gain an extra metre or two....

 

[SeatBackForward]

Anything to gain an extra metre or two....

I'll blame it on the Trams, always wanting to get past them!

 

[Warks]

Oh I see that all the time in country NSW, too.

Yes I always saw that when I lived there. Everyone thinks they are driving the wheat truck.

 

[JessicaTam]

[flame suit]
Based on a considerable length of time observing drivers in three cities (and as a driving instructor) I would rate Sydney drivers as the best, Melbourne next, followed by Adelaide last.

I have not spent long enough elsewhere to rate other cities.

 

[Hvr]

Local Canberrans should be refused a licence on principle. They have no idea how to drive if there is another vehicle anywhere close.

What they call peak hour is made worse by the locals sitting in the right lane of the parkway doing 70-80 in a 100 zone and then refusing to let you go past them.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I think it would take a VERY BRAVE politician to suggest drivers licensing should be stricter.

 

[Hvr]

I think it would take a VERY BRAVE politician to suggest drivers licensing should be stricter.

Frankly if they taught people to drive rather than pass the test we would all be better off. The best driver training I ever had was when I got my HR licence and had to be able to demonstrate I could drive the vehicle safely in heavy traffic.

Driving a bus over the Westgate bridge in morning peak and then through city streets (including hook turns), telling the instructor what you're doing and why really focuses your mind and ensures you are driving correctly and most importantly, safely. You had to identify hazards and articulate what your plan was to deal with them whilst continuing to drive.

The skills I gained from that training have literally saved my life at least once when I automatically reacted to a vehicle going through a red light ahead of me and was able to brake and avoid the collision without conscious thought. Whilst there were skid marks (road and elsewhere :shock the most important thing is that I was alive and uninjured.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Frankly if they taught people to drive rather than pass the test we would all be better off. .

I'd say it goes beyond that, consider Germany, to obtain a drivers licence there, you need to complete the following:

• An 8hr First Aid course
• An Eye-exam
• Road-rules general knowledge test
• Written Theory exam
• Minimum number of practical driving lessons including Autobahn, Urban, Rural and Nighttime

I was under the impression that a basic mechanics course was also required, but not sure on this..

Yet in Australia we essentially ask multiple choice questions and need to perform a three-point turn.

 

[JessicaTam]

I'd say it goes beyond that, consider Germany, to obtain a drivers licence there, you need to complete the following:

• An 8hr First Aid course
• An Eye-exam
• Road-rules general knowledge test
• Written Theory exam
• Minimum number of practical driving lessons including Autobahn, Urban, Rural and Nighttime

I was under the impression that a basic mechanics course was also required, but not sure on this..

Yet in Australia we essentially ask multiple choice questions and need to perform a three-point turn.

I think they have a very rigorous system, which then allows the speeds they drive on the Autobahns.

Don't get me started on the AU system where someone taught bad habits by their parents can pass them on to their children.