The totally off-topic thread

[oz_mark]

So you argue that seeing as we can't invest the time and money in young drivers, we should continue to let those that could pose a danger to others drive as well?

I think the problem is essentially a lack of policing of basic road rules. Many years ago when I got my license there were many traffic police out on their motorcycles, and if you did something wrong there was a good chance they would be shaking their gloved hand at you. May not get a fine, but you'd know you'd done wrong.

Nowadays, seems if they can't have a camera setup somewhere to catch something, you're not likely to get caught.

 

[medhead]

But who is going to invest the time and money?

You make the kid pay for it. I like the idea of the German system where getting a licence is so expensive in training that most wait until their early 20s.

 

[JessicaTam]

You make the kid pay for it. I like the idea of the German system where getting a licence is so expensive in training that most wait until their early 20s.

+1
All driving instruction should be done by a driving instructor, and only a driving instructor, not the parents passing on their bad habits. :evil:

 

[oz_mark]

+1
All driving instruction should be done by a driving instructor, and only a driving instructor, not the parents passing on their bad habits. :evil:

Ahh, but my father was a driving instructor

 

[JohnK]

Nowadays, seems if they can't have a camera setup somewhere to catch something, you're not likely to get caught.

I do not think cameras are the solution either.

I drove along Hume Highway this morning on the way to golf and must have passed about 4-5 cameras along the way. All that makes me do is slow down when I get to the camera and when I drive on roads without cameras not worry anymore. I am sure others are the same.

 

[oz_mark]

I do not think cameras are the solution either.

I drove along Hume Highway this morning on the way to golf and must have passed about 4-5 cameras along the way. All that makes me do is slow down when I get to the camera and when I drive on roads without cameras not worry anymore. I am sure others are the same.

Of course, cameras can only deal with some offences (speeding, red lights). They are not so good at catching tailgaters, lane changers, seat belt infringements, talking on mobile phones, etc etc etc

 

[samh004]

I do not think cameras are the solution either.

I drove along Hume Highway this morning on the way to golf and must have passed about 4-5 cameras along the way. All that makes me do is slow down when I get to the camera and when I drive on roads without cameras not worry anymore. I am sure others are the same.

Exactly why I'm a fan of not having speed cameras signed!

 

[JohnK]

On a lighter note my dad accidentally ran over my foot at the airport earlier. I was getting my bags from the back seat and said "Bye dad" and he started driving off with my foot still under the tyre and the back door open.

He got a shock when I sort of yelled. My toes appear to all be there and nothing feels broken but my left big toe has had pins and needles since. I hope all is OK. Sorry dad....

 

[medhead]

Of course, cameras can only deal with some offences (speeding, red lights). They are not so good at catching tailgaters, lane changers, seat belt infringements, talking on mobile phones, etc etc etc

I keep reading that they've developed software that can detect tailgating. Just a matter of time before that's introduced. All the South Australian fixed cameras are supposed to survey number plates and track them. Apparently one use is tracking known arsonists.

 

[Hvr]

I keep reading that they've developed software that can detect tailgating. Just a matter of time before that's introduced. All the South Australian fixed cameras are supposed to survey number plates and track them. Apparently one use is tracking known arsonists.

The tailgating cameras are due to be introduced in VIC soon according to recent interviews with senior police on radio.

The automatic scanning of number plates has been ongoing in ACT now for several years and is according to reports has been very successful.

 

[medhead]

The tailgating cameras are due to be introduced in VIC soon according to recent interviews with senior police on radio.

The automatic scanning of number plates has been ongoing in ACT now for several years and is according to reports has been very successful.

Yeah, I heard a few very positive comments about scanning number plates maybe 5 years ago in relation to preventing bush fires on high fire danger days.

 

[JessicaTam]

Ahh, but my father was a driving instructor

No bad habits to pass on then.

 

[Flashback]

Exactly why I'm a fan of not having speed cameras signed!

Head on over to WA then

 

[samh004]

Head on over to WA then

It's on the list from December 2013 onwards.

 

[Julesmac]

Mrscove's dad is about to have his 90th birthday and his deal is each year he has several driving lessons with the same teacher.
This teacher knows that he has to blow the whistle on his drivers licence rather than the tester but either way the end of driving is nigh.
Annual testing and no night driving are safeguards.

Hmmmm lovely old chap who lived across the road from me still had his licence at 83. Dings in every panel as he tried to negotiate his slightly curved drive edged in stones. Reversed straight across the road into my Merc. Not once, but twice (yeah how come I was silly enough to leave it parked in the street outside my house..) He re-sat his test with an RACV tester- and passed! I can understand good driving records, clearance from Drs, as well as taking away somebody's independence by taking away their licence. My reservations are - reaction times and judgement. What if they caused an accident which killed or injured a young mum and kids? I really do think the Powers That Be should look at introducing mandatory licence testing from say 70. (altho as a 65 year old I reckon my experience and safe driving record would make me way ahead of a green P-Plater!!)

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hmmmm lovely old chap who lived across the road from me still had his licence at 83. Dings in every panel as he tried to negotiate his slightly curved drive edged in stones. Reversed straight across the road into my Merc. Not once, but twice (yeah how come I was silly enough to leave it parked in the street outside my house..) He re-sat his test with an RACV tester- and passed! I can understand good driving records, clearance from Drs, as well as taking away somebody's independence by taking away their licence. My reservations are - reaction times and judgement. What if they caused an accident which killed or injured a young mum and kids? I really do think the Powers That Be should look at introducing mandatory licence testing from say 70. (altho as a 65 year old I reckon my experience and safe driving record would make me way ahead of a green P-Plater!!)

Today I managed an octogenarian who had driven into a parked car "couldn't see as it was sunny and the car was dark"
He had no answer to the question of what would have happened if he had driven into someone crossing the road who was dark.

 

[Katie]

May vaguely be related to some in the FIFO brigade. Today I saw what is apparently the only hi-vis stole (priestly scarf thingie) that King Gee has made.

 

[drron]

Though sometimes the older person is not the problem.I was asked to see an octogenarian by the police to assess his mental competence.They had pinged him doing a U turn in Caloundra's CBD.Believe me it is not only octogenarians that do that.
He brought in his "books".These showed he had many millions of both NAB and Suncorp shares.Even had a letter from the QLD Treasurer offering the Ministerial car to take him to the meeting voting on the merger of Suncorp and Metway.Turned out to be one of Australia's richest men of the time.However his appearance was that of someone down on their luck.It is true-never judge a book by it's cover or fall for generalisations.You will always get it wrong at times.
Unfortunately he died not long afterwards but Medical research is still benefitting from his investing talent.

 

[Flashback]

This made me laugh while searching for accommodation in Japan: Hotel Facility VOD(Video On Demand), automatic detergent supplier, Equipped a laundry only for ladies.

It seems the Japanese know the females place :mrgreen:

 

[Hvr]

Though sometimes the older person is not the problem.I was asked to see an octogenarian by the police to assess his mental competence.They had pinged him doing a U turn in Caloundra's CBD.Believe me it is not only octogenarians that do that.
He brought in his "books".These showed he had many millions of both NAB and Suncorp shares.Even had a letter from the QLD Treasurer offering the Ministerial car to take him to the meeting voting on the merger of Suncorp and Metway.Turned out to be one of Australia's richest men of the time.However his appearance was that of someone down on their luck.It is true-never judge a book by it's cover or fall for generalisations.You will always get it wrong at times.
Unfortunately he died not long afterwards but Medical research is still benefitting from his investing talent.

I guess the important question is: How was his driving? By bringing his 'books' in it might be seen as trying to 'buy' his way out of losing his licence.

I agree with the moral of the story though, never judge a book by its cover.