Sunday, Sep 15, 2013 at 13:04
Olcoolone - Some parts of your rant might be true - but the statement that the road toll is increasing, is 100% pure unadulterated BS.
Australia's road toll has been decreasing for over 40 yrs and is still trending down. It's currently only ONE-SIXTH, what it was in the 1960's.
In order, the factors that have led to this road toll decline, have been -
1.
Seat belts
2. Vastly improved road design (increased road and lane widths, better pavements, curve radii increased)
3. Safer design vehicles, as regards crashworthiness (collapsible steering columns, airbags, etc etc)
4. Better braking and handling (now, don't tell me you've forgotten about Holdens "go-faster" drum brakes!)
5. Improved tyre design (remember when everyone had those dreadful crossplies fitted as standard?)
6. Speed limit introductions
7. Increased Police patrolling
8. Speed cameras
Can't help but agree that speed cameras are a money-maker - but they do use a lot of the money from speed cameras to improve roads and black spots.
However, I don't think anyone wants to return to the days of unlimited speeds and un-enforced speed limits.
It's a fact of life increased traffic volumes requires increased controls.
My bugbear is the random application of arbitrary speed limits that can vary 4 times in 3 kms. It should be, that a 4 lane divided suburban road is 70kmh limit, automatically - so you know by the road design, what the limit is.
Speed limits should be painted on road surfaces at every speed limit change - because signs are so often damaged, hidden by vegetation, poorly placed - or inadequate!
The solution to speed cameras is simple - if ya don't want give away money to Govts - DON"T SPEED!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_vehicle_deaths_in_Australia_by_year
P.S. - If you're a chronic speedster - Trapster is a good site. Google it.
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