Car WarsNZ

Lane Hopping

2010-06-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

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

Foggy

2010-03-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well now, I must be losing something in the translation, so let me get this right. It's foggy so as I am driving along other car users have their fog lamps on, seems reasonable, fog, fog lamps, fog, fog lamps Ok I think I have it.

So why is it that on any given night there are any number of idiots driving around with fog lamps all lit up and there is no fog...doh.

The problem yet again is that the driving standards are poor; they obviously are blind to the fact that fog lights are high intensity lights designed to cut through dense fog and allow other road users to see you, thus avoiding accidents and when used in the correct context they perform there function well.

However, when used outside of being a foggy night they blind oncoming drivers, with high beams, creating yet another hazard on the roads.

Pity these people get a driving licence so easily, one day they might have to read the road code, nah that as the potential of making NZ a safer place, so that's not going to happen.

Moving House

2010-03-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I have been out of the loop for a couple of weeks, so big apologises, I have been moving house and it proved to be just as stressful as driving to work.

Thanks to the guy in the BigHorn, who almost ran me off the road this morning, so you are in a truck, thats does not give you any extra rights to be an idiot.

So lets get back up to speed. Steven Joyce, well known memeber of parliament and minister of everything, announces that the driving laws are to change next year, so lets see what those changes amount to in terms of saving lives.................. Er, nothing really, more banging drums and kicking up a fuss than sensible policy making.

Oh it can be argued that one life saved was worth the effort, but I am not sure that raising the driving age to 16 and banning drink driving if you are under 20 years of age will have any impact at all.

Now banning draink driving right across the board may have made a difference, but thaen spinless politicians would never really get serious about saving lives, but it does look like he has done something, to stem the slaughter that is New Zealands roads.

However the give way rule, is the dumbest law currently on the staute book and showed be repealed, well done Mr Joyce, at last you have somewthing right.

Asleep

2010-02-22T03:21:00.000-08:00

To the lady travelling to work today who kept dropping off to sleep, DON'T! Well you can but not around me please, yes the madness continues that is NZ roads. I was travelling to work and through my rear view mirror could see a young lady who when we got to a crawl in traffic was catching 40 winks, not a good look ay?

Still could have been worse, she could have been awake and probably be a bigger danger on the roads, when will people learn, you cant have a two tonne motor car and be reckless.

What is needed is more education and the raising of driving standards after all it is my life, that is at stake.

Muggy

2010-02-16T22:04:00.001-08:00

Well the hot steamy. muggy, sub-tropical weather persists over the North Island,. no it's not a weather report, but you would think that such weather conditions may effect the driving mentality of the average Kiwi, unfortunately it hasn't, it's just as crazy as ever out there.

Consider over the past 24 hours, 2 vehicles running the bus lanes, 3 cars using the centre reservation as a private lane. 2 buses who have gone rouge, a 3 car pile up on the Eastern Highway , yes just another day in paradise.

However given that the New Year is well under way and that the weather as been very kind, it remains the same old traffic issues day, after day, after day, after day. one thing is certain though the number of roadworks that have materialised over the past 2 weeks is amazing, the number of detours I have had to take recent as increased substantially. Whilst I would be the first to applaud such an initiative, the problem lies in the fact that the co-ordinating departs are obviously not talking to each other, the result, chaos on the Auckland roads.

What the!!

2010-01-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well thank you so much the guy in the Nissan Patrol, who waited and waited and waited, until I was about 5 metres from him, then he attacked, Yep straighout in front of me and then to add insult to injury he turns off the road some 2 minutes later, so what was that all about? answers on a postcard please.

Why is it so many motorists have this death wish? The only problem with that mindset is that they are looking to take someone with them, they are not content to kill themselves, tell you what guys, leave me alone. I have no intentions of dying, so stay away from me please.

Here are another couple of potential suicides from yesterday, why is it that when a car or van pulls into the left, the driver sees no value in checking his mirros to see if there are any vehicles coming that might hit him.

They pull over and then open the car door and step out, soory I don'y see the big superman logo on your chest proving that you are not a man of steel and that if hit by a 1 ton car at 50kph you are going to get badly damaged.....don't do it!

Pedestrians

2010-01-20T02:15:00.000-08:00

Well it had to happen and in truth I have avoided the issue, but as the days roll on and this situation arises daily it’s about time it was tackled. I must admit this phenomena is not isolated to New Zealand, on the contrary, I have seen it in various parts of the world, but it is a dangerous practice and needs to stop.

I am not sure of the statistics but I suspect that they are high. So what is this phenomena, well it’s pedestrians…… There that’s done it, now I am in trouble, however this happens on such a regular basis it just has to been raised.

Next time you are out driving check it out. So you are driving along the road safely I might add and suddenly 50 -60 metres in front of you a pedestrian will now attempt to cross the road, that’s OK that’s not the problem, this is the problem, they are not actually going to make it, unless you slow down or take some evasive action.

However the intrepid pedestrian has got a secret weapon and it’s this. As long as they don’t look at you they won’t get run over, so they will never look directly at the driver in fact they will take every opportunity to avoid eye to eye contact. On that basis as long as they don’t get to see the whites of your eyes they won’t get run over and hospitalised, mmmmm tell that to the paramedics everyday. 85Kgs Vs 1/2Tonne I wonder who going to come off worse.

Garbage

2010-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

Well it’s Monday and only two people have tired to kill me. The first was on the way to work the second on the way home from work, do I suspect a conspiracy here? Mmmmmm

So to the guy in the flash little Mazda 3, ya missed me! I must admit it wasn’t for the want of trying, guy pulls out into traffic making a left turn totally oblivious to oncoming traffic. ME and then floors the pedal and shoots off up the road, seems he was late for work, continue driving like that and your career will be sort lived. About 10 mins later I had caught up to him at a set of traffic lights, so we ask, what was that about?

On the way home it gets better, 18 tonne garbage truck not only decides to pull out into traffic, but this idiot decides not to turn left to join traffic flow, oh no that would be dangerous, but logical this crazy turns right into oncoming traffic. ME what an idiot, I had to swerve extensively and he did get the horn.

I can't wait until the school run starts, then it will be fun, again.

Tourists

2010-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

So the holiday period is over, the accident rate is the lowest for some years but it is still far too high. However it was revealed today that the police are targeting tourists to help improve their driving standards whilst driving in NZ…… doh!...

I must be missing something in the translation, whilst any initiative to keep me safe is welcome, given the numbers of tourists to NZ compared with the actual numbers of accidents; surely the emphasis needs to be on improving kiwis driving skills, just more bureaucracy and government intervention without tackling the real issues.

But then anything that deflects from those issues seems to be the way National prefers to run the country. Come on NZ you can do better than that. Stop scape-goating and face the real issues, that of drink driving, tackling this one key issue will no doubt decrease the number of road accidents and deaths on the road massively, but then it's to easy so not likely to happen.

Just because the death toll was down this year does not mean that the drink driving problem as gone away, just that drivers did not get caught.

Death Toll

2010-01-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well the statistics are in for 2009 and yet again the death toll hits double figures, 12 at the last count. For those of you tracking such information you could argue that this is less than half last years total of 25. However tell that to the families involved.

Whilst these figures are a possible welcome sign of maybe a downward trend in the death rate, the likelihood is that it is a temporary blip and that New Zealand will be back on killing ways 2010.

The police have indicated that the majority of these deaths were due to bad driving. I rest my case. This is a case that I have repeated over and over again. New Zealanders are BAD drivers.

Drivings in the blood....again!

2009-12-20T01:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-20T00:43:00.001-08:00

SH1

2009-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-12T14:43:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T13:19:00.001-08:00

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......

2009-11-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-12T00:04:00.000-08:00

Another new law?

2009-11-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T23:26:00.001-08:00

It's the law!

2009-11-01T22:53:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-25T21:29:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-23T21:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T22:08:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-29T03:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

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?