Hi everyone, with the increasing traffic on the roads at this time of the year and at all other times too, I would like to ask forum members to comment on what they consider enhances their situational awareness when out and about. It can include your daily activities around your own area or when touring Oz. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to hear from our police members with tips from the coal face!
Over the years I have always followed the maxim of "keep to the left"religiously and the number of times it has kept me from serious harm from wandering drivers on curves/crests etc are quite numerous.
cheers,
ozi2
Dougwe said
11:01 AM Dec 13, 2011
Agree 100% ozi2. I ALWAYS check all mirrors on a very regualar basis to see what is going on around me and what is coming up from behind. I also check beyond the vehicle in front as a lot can be going on up there that you may need to know about and respond too, a little early warning could and will come in handy. I also like to "wipe of five" in fact sometimes more. Also and as well even I drive according to weather conditions at all times.
JRH said
11:12 AM Dec 13, 2011
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
justcruisin01 said
11:19 AM Dec 13, 2011
I warch every vehicle that is comming towards me & all that are behind & overtacking, many times you have to make huge allowances for them just to keep your self in the clear of the idiots.
justcruisin01 said
11:20 AM Dec 13, 2011
JRH wrote:
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
That makes two of us JRH.
aussietraveller said
11:26 AM Dec 13, 2011
I try to avoid the peaks in traffic and follow the principal that every other driver (except grey nomads) are an accident waiting to happen and keep a vigilant eye on them all I also drive a safe distance behind the vehicle in front and watch the brake lights of the vehicle 3-4 in front as this gives better reaction time, its also important to keep a good eye on children and pedestrians and in open country wild animals. We wish all a safe time travelling our roads over the Christmas period.
Beth54 said
11:49 AM Dec 13, 2011
I remember my late father-in-law saying that...treat everyone on the road like an idiot!
I also try not to be on the roads in peak hour traffic...don't tailgate..can't afford to run up someones rear end...and I'm very conscientious about speed limits...
I was also taught to watch what's going on a few vehicles ahead.
In the outback, I always slow right down when I see an animal beside the road...you never know which way they're going to go. I've seen it happen time and again.
Landfall said
12:39 PM Dec 13, 2011
As a few members on this forum know, I am a driving instructor.
I just listen carefully to the instructions from Mrs D.
How I get thru a day by myself with only a student is still a mystery?
Dusty
Beth54 said
12:45 PM Dec 13, 2011
Landfall wrote:
As a few members on this forum know, I am a driving instructor.
I just listen carefully to the instructions from Mrs D.
How I get thru a day by myself with only a student is still a mystery?
Dusty
Dunco said
01:40 PM Dec 13, 2011
Just because you have the right of way, DO NOT believe that the other driver is going to give way to you. Waiting for that extra second or so may stop a minor to major collision.
Do not follow traffic at the same speed...do YOUR speed...which is a speed under the limit and that you are comfortable with.
Always look for an exit in case of an emergency.
Look ahead a few cars, not just the one in front of you.
Gerty Dancer said
01:43 PM Dec 13, 2011
I've often wondered about those young people who play their music so loud it can be heard streets away, I doubt they'd be aware of an ambulance's siren. I almost got caught last week, when with the radio on not very loud, a fire truck was fairly close before I heard/saw it's lights and sirens. I had time to get out of its way, but it was a reminder to leave the radio off when in traffic.
justcruisin01 said
02:13 PM Dec 13, 2011
Landfall wrote:
How I get thru a day by myself with only a student is still a mystery?
Dusty
You must end up
JC.
ozi2 said
02:37 PM Dec 13, 2011
Dunco wrote:
Just because you have the right of way, DO NOT believe that the other driver is going to give way to you. Waiting for that extra second or so may stop a minor to major collision.
Do not follow traffic at the same speed...do YOUR speed...which is a speed under the limit and that you are comfortable with.
Always look for an exit in case of an emergency.
Look ahead a few cars, not just the one in front of you.
It seems we all share similar points of view on road safety. If I could add to Dunco's comment about waiting that extra second.......and at traffic lights in particular check right and left before moving. I have experienced 2 drivers running red lights and its a scary experience! Here in the Tweed/Byron shire RBT's have topped the state around 7 times in past 10 years. Its estimated 1 in 42 drivers have alcohol in their system.
Dunco said
03:49 PM Dec 13, 2011
Good point Ozi !!
Another tip I always tell people is when waiting to make a right hand turn...DO NOT sit there with your wheels turned to the right. Leave them pointed straight because I have seen a minor rear end collision turn into a fatal because the wheels of a vehicle were pointed to the right and another car rear ended him and pushed him into oncoming traffic. If they were pointed ahead, then that would not have occurred
Landfall said
08:48 PM Dec 13, 2011
justcruisin01 wrote:
Landfall wrote:
How I get thru a day by myself with only a student is still a mystery?
Dusty
You must end up
JC.
No JC, I start out confused.
What do they call "occupational therapy for a driving instructor?
Ans:- A bottle of Scotch and a bottle of Valium.
Cheers
Dusty
-- Edited by Landfall on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 08:48:35 PM
Joe said
12:04 PM Dec 14, 2011
justcruisin01 wrote:
JRH wrote:
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
That makes two of us JRH.
So . . . . . . . . . . you each of you think that the other one is "a bloody idiot"?
JRH said
12:17 PM Dec 14, 2011
Joe wrote:
justcruisin01 wrote:
JRH wrote:
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
That makes two of us JRH.
So . . . . . . . . . . you each of you think that the other one is "a bloody idiot"?
You could say that pal but we also think you are a bloody idiot.LOL
Joe said
04:22 PM Dec 14, 2011
JRH wrote:
Joe wrote:
justcruisin01 wrote:
JRH wrote:
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
That makes two of us JRH.
So . . . . . . . . . . you each of you think that the other one is "a bloody idiot"?
You could say that pal but we also think you are a bloody idiot.LOL
Now THAT had me laughing out loud! Good one!
Now . . . . . . . . . where did I leave that old Richmond footy shirt, the one that had the TAC slogan "Drink, Drive - Bloody idiot" because I think it is now quite appropriate.
JRH said
04:25 PM Dec 14, 2011
Joe wrote:
JRH wrote:
Joe wrote:
justcruisin01 wrote:
JRH wrote:
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
That makes two of us JRH.
So . . . . . . . . . . you each of you think that the other one is "a bloody idiot"?
You could say that pal but we also think you are a bloody idiot.LOL
Now THAT had me laughing out loud! Good one!
Now . . . . . . . . . where did I leave that old Richmond footy shirt, the one that had the TAC slogan "Drink, Drive - Bloody idiot" because I think it is now quite appropriate.
Glad to be of service Joe, good to know you have a sense of humour pal.
Cruising Granny said
06:31 PM Dec 14, 2011
"Drive as carefully as you know how, according to conditions, and allow for the other b'stard's stupidity." My dad taught me to drive. He'd fall asleep while I drove with my "L" plates. All he said was, "Stay away from buses and taxis!" Never, never, never tail gate. Always keep the 2 second or more distance. It gives you room to make adjustments to situations out of your control. Always be aware of what is around you. Behind you, next to you, both sides, if you're in the middle lane. Be prepared for the unexpected, such as a vehicle spearing across the road in your direction, or a blow out affecting steering, a flying tyre across the road, which happened to me. Always keep your vehicle in neutral, wheels facing forward, with the foot on the brake, while you are stopped at the lights or a stop sign, in case some gherkin spears up your tow ball and pushes you into other traffic. It makes a mess! Oh, please indicate at roundabouts - indicate when you exit the roundabout. Tavel safely, and if you're going away over the Christmas break, please come back safely in one piece.
-- Edited by Cruising Granny on Wednesday 14th of December 2011 06:47:59 PM
JRH said
06:35 PM Dec 14, 2011
Most drivers wouldn't have a clue what to do on a roundabout, one of the most dangerous places on the road in my opinion.
Cruising Granny said
06:55 PM Dec 14, 2011
I've suggested a media campaign be conducted by the Transport Department of SA, and other states, to get the message out there. They are a great way to sort traffic, but it's the idiots operating the motor vehicles which stuff it up. Why anyone would operate a gadget worth thousands of dollars like a demo-derby car, has got me stuffed. It's a valuable machine. The selfish competition for a place in a lane, or to merge to the next lane or to be the first to get away from the intersection is suicidal. Then these young idiots have the the music up so loud they can't hear their own vehicle or what is going on around them, and they're on the phone, or worse, TEXTING. It's nuts!!!!! It should be an offence if the sound can be heard outside the vehicle. It's like a mobile juke box (remember them?) on low profile tyres, with a bucket for an exhaust pipe. So dangerous, as we the sensible ones, have to watch out for them and take the evasive action.
JRH said
07:10 PM Dec 14, 2011
Cruising Granny wrote:
I've suggested a media campaign be conducted by the Transport Department of SA, and other states, to get the message out there. They are a great way to sort traffic, but it's the idiots operating the motor vehicles which stuff it up. Why anyone would operate a gadget worth thousands of dollars like a demo-derby car, has got me stuffed. It's a valuable machine. The selfish competition for a place in a lane, or to merge to the next lane or to be the first to get away from the intersection is suicidal. Then these young idiots have the the music up so loud they can't hear their own vehicle or what is going on around them, and they're on the phone, or worse, TEXTING. It's nuts!!!!! It should be an offence if the sound can be heard outside the vehicle. It's like a mobile juke box (remember them?) on low profile tyres, with a bucket for an exhaust pipe. So dangerous, as we the sensible ones, have to watch out for them and take the evasive action.
And if they hit us it is "Oh that silly old phart is at fault because he/she is old.
ChiChi1 said
07:48 PM Dec 14, 2011
Look you lot stop worrying me. I'm about to set out on a 1200k journey and I am worried enough about floods, storms and animals.
Cruising Granny said
09:08 PM Dec 14, 2011
Jeez Chi Chi they're the least of your worries. Just come back all in one piece so we can do this all over again. You'll be ok.
ChiChi1 said
09:41 PM Dec 14, 2011
Yes CG. Done lots of miles over time and still in one piece. But I know what could happen (all of the above) and its only by the grace of god that I'm still here. The odds are becoming shorter.
Cruising Granny said
09:45 PM Dec 14, 2011
Yeah, but the odds are on your side. Most of this stuff is up to you. You can't account for the other gherkins of this world.
Happywanderer said
09:50 PM Dec 14, 2011
Mel, are you off to the Gold Coast for Xmas? Have a great time, drive safely and don't worry. Just enjoy.
ChiChi1 said
11:56 PM Dec 14, 2011
Yes Marj, Its a case of going to QLD or being by myself for Chrstmas. So, guess I'll give it a go. Daughter was going to come wth me, but piked out and decided to fly, not that blame her she only has a short tme off work and better to spend time in a nice resort than on the highway. I will be able to park up at my sister's and she will come for visit Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Still watching road reports though.
Have a merry Christmas and New Year. I guess it wll be with your daughter ?
Happywanderer said
04:03 PM Dec 15, 2011
Yes Mel, at daughters for Xmas lunch, then come home and pack to go up to Edwards River at Moulimein for a few days camping with them and their friends. Leaving Boxing Day.
Hi everyone, with the increasing traffic on the roads at this time of the year and at all other times too, I would like to ask forum members to comment on what they consider enhances their situational awareness when out and about. It can include your daily activities around your own area or when touring Oz. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to hear from our police members with tips from the coal face!
Over the years I have always followed the maxim of "keep to the left"religiously and the number of times it has kept me from serious harm from wandering drivers on curves/crests etc are quite numerous.
cheers,
ozi2
Agree 100% ozi2. I ALWAYS check all mirrors on a very regualar basis to see what is going on around me and what is coming up from behind. I also check beyond the vehicle in front as a lot can be going on up there that you may need to know about and respond too, a little early warning could and will come in handy. I also like to "wipe of five" in fact sometimes more. Also and as well even I drive according to weather conditions at all times.
As far as I am concerned I am the only sane driver on the road, everyone else is a bloody idiot looking for somewhere to have an accident.
I warch every vehicle that is comming towards me & all that are behind & overtacking, many times you have to make huge allowances for them just to keep your self in the clear of the idiots.
That makes two of us JRH.
I remember my late father-in-law saying that...treat everyone on the road like an idiot!
I also try not to be on the roads in peak hour traffic...don't tailgate..can't afford to run up someones rear end...and I'm very conscientious about speed limits...
I was also taught to watch what's going on a few vehicles ahead.
In the outback, I always slow right down when I see an animal beside the road...you never know which way they're going to go. I've seen it happen time and again.
I just listen carefully to the instructions from Mrs D.
How I get thru a day by myself with only a student is still a mystery?
Dusty
Do not follow traffic at the same speed...do YOUR speed...which is a speed under the limit and that you are comfortable with.
Always look for an exit in case of an emergency.
Look ahead a few cars, not just the one in front of you.
You must end up
JC.
It seems we all share similar points of view on road safety. If I could add to Dunco's comment about waiting that extra second.......and at traffic lights in particular check right and left before moving. I have experienced 2 drivers running red lights and its a scary experience! Here in the Tweed/Byron shire RBT's have topped the state around 7 times in past 10 years. Its estimated 1 in 42 drivers have alcohol in their system.
Another tip I always tell people is when waiting to make a right hand turn...DO NOT sit there with your wheels turned to the right. Leave them pointed straight because I have seen a minor rear end collision turn into a fatal because the wheels of a vehicle were pointed to the right and another car rear ended him and pushed him into oncoming traffic. If they were pointed ahead, then that would not have occurred
No JC, I start out confused.
What do they call "occupational therapy for a driving instructor?
Ans:- A bottle of Scotch and a bottle of Valium.
Cheers
Dusty
-- Edited by Landfall on Tuesday 13th of December 2011 08:48:35 PM
So . . . . . . . . . . you each of you think that the other one is "a bloody idiot"?
You could say that pal but we also think you are a bloody idiot.LOL
Now THAT had me laughing out loud! Good one!
Now . . . . . . . . . where did I leave that old Richmond footy shirt, the one that had the TAC slogan "Drink, Drive - Bloody idiot" because I think it is now quite appropriate.
Glad to be of service Joe, good to know you have a sense of humour pal.
"Drive as carefully as you know how, according to conditions, and allow for the other b'stard's stupidity." My dad taught me to drive. He'd fall asleep while I drove with my "L" plates. All he said was, "Stay away from buses and taxis!"
Never, never, never tail gate. Always keep the 2 second or more distance. It gives you room to make adjustments to situations out of your control.
Always be aware of what is around you. Behind you, next to you, both sides, if you're in the middle lane.
Be prepared for the unexpected, such as a vehicle spearing across the road in your direction, or a blow out affecting steering, a flying tyre across the road, which happened to me.
Always keep your vehicle in neutral, wheels facing forward, with the foot on the brake, while you are stopped at the lights or a stop sign, in case some gherkin spears up your tow ball and pushes you into other traffic. It makes a mess! Oh, please indicate at roundabouts - indicate when you exit the roundabout.
Tavel safely, and if you're going away over the Christmas break, please come back safely in one piece.
-- Edited by Cruising Granny on Wednesday 14th of December 2011 06:47:59 PM
Most drivers wouldn't have a clue what to do on a roundabout, one of the most dangerous places on the road in my opinion.
Why anyone would operate a gadget worth thousands of dollars like a demo-derby car, has got me stuffed. It's a valuable machine.
The selfish competition for a place in a lane, or to merge to the next lane or to be the first to get away from the intersection is suicidal.
Then these young idiots have the the music up so loud they can't hear their own vehicle or what is going on around them, and they're on the phone, or worse, TEXTING. It's nuts!!!!!
It should be an offence if the sound can be heard outside the vehicle.
It's like a mobile juke box (remember them?) on low profile tyres, with a bucket for an exhaust pipe.
So dangerous, as we the sensible ones, have to watch out for them and take the evasive action.
And if they hit us it is "Oh that silly old phart is at fault because he/she is old.
You'll be ok.
You can't account for the other gherkins of this world.
Have a merry Christmas and New Year. I guess it wll be with your daughter ?