Kel

This is some info on requirements for older drivers in NSW (from RTA website): The most important part of the RTA’s role is to ensure that the NSW roads are as safe as possible. Part of that role involves requiring drivers to undergo annual medical and driving tests upon reaching a certain age. For car drivers, annual medical reviews are required from 80 years of age and annual driving tests from 85 years of age. This is to ensure that older drivers are medically fit and are able to drive competently and safely. Annual medical and driving tests begin for motorcyclists at the age of 70. While age is not the sole indicator of driving ability, there is evidence that the skills needed for safe driving begin to deteriorate as we get older, particularly from about 75 years of age. Additionally, conditions such as dementia may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Link for full detail: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/renewi...er_options.html

I have discovered this great invention called a carwash cafe! They do a better job than I do, and give me nice food and coffee to enjoy while I watch them do all the hard work.

I use this report quite a bit for uni assignments: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/downl...cident-data.pdf Interesting stats from the month of Nov 04: • There were 45 fatalities recorded on NSW roads in November 2004, which is 7 (13%) fewer than for November 2003. • The main decreases in fatalities for November, compared with November 2003, were: - amongst the 21-25 age group (down from 11 to 1) - amongst males (down from 36 to 30) - within RTA Sydney Region (down from 22 to 14) This report is well worth a read, particularly page 8 (page 10 of PDF) which talks about the causes of fatal accidents. In 2004, the number of accidents involving 'excessive speed' has dropped by 15% from the rolling average of previous years.

'Tis and it's already proven to be a great party trick

I got a breathalyser - do you reckon Santa's trying to tell me something?

I'm not discounting your point- many people have died in accidents involving speed where they may have survived had they been going a lot slower. But there have also been just as many fatal accidents where people would have survived if: - they had taken a break and not been tired at the wheel - they were wearing a seatbelt - the had not been under the influence or drugs or alcohol - they had not been under the influence of someone encouraging them to drive like a clown - they had taken better care of their car - they had been driving on a road that a state government had actually maintained with their taxes - they hadn't been driving in poor weather conditions etc etc etc. There are many factors, or combinations of factors, which cause fatal accidents. When road safety campaigns focus on this with as much prominance, and enforcement as they do speeding, they will have more credibility and more success.

Hmm- point taken but that RTA ad is NOT a good ad for the basis of an argument on speed because it's flawed. The car doing the lesser speed crashes into a flat side of the truck. The car 'speeding' hits the corner of the truck (lots more potential for damage). The ad also discounts the other factors on the road in a real life emergency situation- visibility/space around you etc etc. I understand the point of the ad- that speed reduces stopping time and distance- but who would really drive straight into a truck?

I was in Chatty today doing the sales but saw noone!

I wasn't interested in driving a manual until I wanted to race cars! Had been in autos all my life. I occassionally drove a manual (mainly on the freeway on long trips) and had a general understanding of how a gearbox and gear changing worked. I ended up taking a lesson with a driving school, just to make sure I had the basics right. Then, I basically just jumped in the deep end. Bought a manual car, and kept driving until I got it. I reckon it probably took about a week until I made it through a trip without stalling. Then, it eventually just started feeling natural. In fact, I got into an auto the other day, and found myself going for the clutch! Best of luck!

Go the Tarago!

Damn the Skyline Mafia!

..... and I thought nothing could top the news about Oran Park's demise.

Will you guy sell copies to other states? I'd still be keen for one.

I like Rezz's Maccas theory. The Macca's are also the ones who read the Daily Telegraph here in Sydney, and its evil scumbag owner (also known as one R Murdoch) is a savvy man who has determined he can sell more papers by feeding the Maccas exactly what they want to read each day. At the moment, it's stories about high powered import cars crashing, preferably driven by P-platers (for the reasons Rezz listed). And since most of the researchers on the excuses they call television current affairs shows these days can't be bothered to actually develop a story, they just regurgitate whatever the papers are saying is so, giving the issue even more prominance. The Telly is well known for its crusades - the last big one from memory was the pokies (old Rupert isn't a gambling man either). It's ironic they don't see the any of the other deaths on the road as worthy of a campaign -but I guess the Maccas would stop paying their $1 each day if the truth was too close to home.

What Bob said! Legislation/ regulations etc will not change this - peer pressure has a much better chance.

It's a personal call ultimately but I've made someone stop and ended up walking a couple of kay home. I'd be doing anything to avoid ending up like these poor passengers.

WARNING- broken record time again.... IMHO, if you are a pasenger in a car doing excessive speeds or driving dangerously you have a responsibility to either get the driver to stop (by telling them what a tool they are) or get out. Otherwise, you also have to accept the possible consequences of this driver's actions. There's already laws meant to stop this type of behaviour- they're called the laws against speeding. The only way I think we'll really change people's attitude towards these rules is with better and more realistic education around the consequences of speed for drivers and passengers, and ultimately peer pressure.

Agree- I think the problem though is when you're say driving in an area you don't know, busy looking for somewhere you've got to be and maybe just miss the signs.

I totally agree, I am going to start sounding like a broken record but you have to question whether introducing all these restrictions just pushes the problem from occuring when drivers are on their P-plates, to when they become a full licence, but totally inexperienced driver. Hey, but then it's not a problem and the moral crusaders have won their war right? I think the answer is to introduce driving training/ awareness at school. Get graphic- scare the shite out of kids by showing them the aftermarth of accidents, show them no one is immortal. Stress how important it is for them to behave responsibly on the roads. Also focus on passengers, and educate them that they have as much responsibility as the driver- to either get drivers to stop driving like clowns, or get out of the car if they won't. I was on my way to the SAU lunch at Gosford with a group that was turned around because of this accident. There is nothing worse than the feeling when you know the life of a fellow enthusiast has been lost (whatever the circumstances). Let's hope the government takes a sensible, not knee jerk, approach to ensuring all drivers (of cars and motorbikes) are safe on the roads.

Around $800 with 6-month subscription for updates. Here's the link with info: http://www.blackspot.com.au/

Well, DC and Red Bull are confirmed - a one year deal at the bargain basement rate of $A5.3 million (half his salary last year). http://www.smh.com.au/news/Breaking-News/C...3391629895.html I'd still marry him for his money

My Road Angel is one of my best investments yet. As I understand it, it's avoided being banned by the police because it's a "hazard/blackspot warning" device. The logic- speed/red light cameras are *only* placed at accident blackspots (not places where they generate the most revenue right) so the Angel is just another road safety tool. Aside from giving advance warning of accident blackspots (aka speed/red light camera sites) it also shows: ■ School safety zone warnings during school hours ■ Railway crossings ■ Country town entrances where speeds change (from 100 to 60 kays) ■ Point to point speed safety cameras ■ Multanova safety camera areas in Perth

Kel gets post it out and writes: Count me in on the 30th!

It's just a knee jerk reaction from a jerk premier who has never even held a licence (the Carr surname is just another irony!). The problem with these types of restrictions is that the people who make and enforce them have no idea about cars and performance. I remember the hassles I had getting insurance on a Saab 9-3 a few years ago because it had a low pressure (eco friendly) turbo. No matter it only made 110 kw- it had a turbo and I was under 25 so some companies wouldn't even quote. Introducing these kinds of restrictions just pushes the problem from occuring when drivers are on their P-plates, to when they become a full licenced, but totally inexperienced driver (hey but then it's not a problem and the government and moral crusaders have won their war right?).

Has anyone heard more on the DC link to Team Dubai? Sounds like they'll be in the starting line up in 2006 and DC is tipped as driver, as well as being involved in the business side of the team.