KEEP DEATH OFF THE ROAD.

Still more deaths.

Just to add to my previous rantings about lunatic drivers.

It is now Holiday Monday and so far 19 people, yes 19, have been killed on our roads, and still counting.

There are people who are alive this morning who will not be by the the time this day ends. The 20 figure will be passed I'm sure.

On Easter Sunday my wife and I drove to Sydney a distance of 80 k;s on the F3 freeway. We lost count of the number of drivers who broke the speed limit in all sectors of the freeway. We gave up after some 180. We were cruising at a fraction over a 100 k's and cars were going past us, some up to 140 ks an hour, some even more.

I simply don't understand why we don't learn,, why each holiday so many are killed
through sheer stupidity.

And I do wonder how many older drivers were responsible for any of the recorded deaths.

Caz.

THE OLDER DRIVER.

There is little doubt that the Road Traffic Authority in New South Wales will continue to target this group, presumably to remove as many older drivers off the road as is possible.
It should be remembered that as a group, these drivers do not tailgate, do not break the speed limit and do not drink and drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Friends and acquaintences have been discussing the driving test to which all drivers have to submit when they reach the aqe of 85, and some very intersting comments have come out of the discussion; there is no doubt at all, that to pass the test you will need to be 100% perfect in your answers to questions, your driving skills and general demeanour.

Here are some of the things drivers have failed the test on
.
Leaving your indicator lights on for too long, or not long enough. [Six seconds and not five in one case.]
Leaving insufficient,or too much room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Stopping too near the white line at traffic lights or too far from it.
Not giving way to the right correctly.
Poor reverse parking.[Very common this one]
Not using your rear view vision mirror frequently enough.
Using the 'Bus only' lane to turn left at the traffic lights.
I'm sure the Examiner will have many more items.

Here are a couple hints to help steer you through the test.

Obtain a copy of the 'Older Drivers Handbook' from the RTA . Read it, devour it, until you know it backwards.

A week before you test, book at least three lessons with a driving school which specialises in preparing the older driver for the test. The last lesson if possible, should be on the day of the test.

When using your rear view mirror make sure you turn your head to do so,the Examiner must see what you are doing.

Do not chat the Examiner, keep your mouth shut until you are asked questions and concentrate on what you are doing.
Talk to other older drivrs who have been through the test and learn from them.
Ensure your vehicle in clean inside and out and your windows sparkle.

The following has been heard far too often, "You are an excellent driver, but I have to fail you because...."

Do remember that the test is not about being an excellent driver or how experienced you are, it is quite simply about how to pass the test.! It could be quite difficult to pass, and you can, without doubt, fail in the blink of an eye.

Read the manual, and practice practice practice.

As a final comment, Instead of targetting the older group of drivers,The RTA would be better employed in spending the time and money on more severely targetting the 18 to 24year olds, probably the most dangerous group on our roads today.

Good Luck,

Caz.

`