Is bad driving compulsory?

[Blackbird]

Living in the wilds of Coromandel where learning to play the banjo is compulsory and all the locals look alike, it's sometimes hard to keep up with mainstream news. We've just got back from a 2 day trip to Hastings and judging by the number of fuckwits on the road, the NZ standard of driving seems to have got worse; something I'd have thought was close to impossible. Judging by the frequency of poor driving, it seems that we missed the announcement of the new law making it compulsory for 4-wheeled vehicles to cut every corner they come to, with bonus points for blind bends.

The first example was not far from home on the Peninsula. We caught up with a company ute down a straight. There was another ute in front of it towing a trailer. Towards the end of the straight, the ute we were following decided to do an overtake, right before a blind bend. There most definitely would have been a serious accident had there been something coming the other way. This was no rush of blood to the head though as the dick driving it then preceded to cut every damned corner he came to, completely crossing the white line just before blind bends. My wife actually took a couple of hi-res photos (attached). This carried on until we pulled in about 10 km down the road. The truck belonged to Hamilton Roofing Industries and the Rego was GBP 91. Guess his company wouldn't be too chuffed or maybe they all drive like that. Could have been me coming the other way on the Triple....

Wasn't much better in the twisties on the Taupo-Napier road either. Just take care out there folks - they ARE all out to get you!

[Tigadee]

Maybe they were following the vehicle on their GPS screen which shows a vehicle in the middle of the road...

That is very scary.

[Blackbird]

Maybe they were following the vehicle on their GPS screen which shows a vehicle in the middle of the road...

That is very scary.

It could have been you, me or people we love coming the other way and that makes it personal! It almost seems that city folk have no idea how to tackle bends. You really notice it on the Coro Peninsula at weekends when the visitors start pouring in. Guess it's the same elsewhere.

[Daffyd]

Did you *555 him?

[steve_t]

I think Rastuscat can send him a ticket just based on these

[Blackbird]

Did you *555 him?

Nope, but it's going to be followed up...

[Rhys]

I suggest you forward the pictures to the transport service licence holder and see what their response is
Not a good look for the company !

[Blackbird]

I sagest you forward the pictures to the transport service licence holder and see what their response is
Not a good look for the company !

His company just this minute notified, sent to 2 separate email addresses on their website just to spread it round a bit His company has responsibility for not only professional workmanship but some responsibility for the standard of his driving too, one imagines.

[FJRider]

I dont know how I ever managed to navigate the Napier-Taupo highway without GPS .... especially using one with all the bad drivers about.

It might be seen by some ... as another driver distraction ...

[Blackbird]

I dont know how I ever managed to navigate the Napier-Taupo highway without GPS .... especially using one with all the bad drivers about.

It might be seen by some ... as another driver distraction ...

Spoken like a true southern inbreed

[FJRider]

Spoken like a true southern inbreed

A true southern inbreed knows their way around the country, and can read a map ... and capable of reading road signage.

On my map ... near Auckland ... it has "There be Dragons here-abouts" ... (it is an old map)

[rastuscat]

Send the pics to pde964@police.govt.nz along with the vehicle description, time, date, and location.

If its still relevant on Monday when I go to work, I will follow it up.

If you've already contacted the company though, it might have negated the need for me to deal with it.

Donuts.

[slofox]

I have lost count of the number of times I have seen this stuff - either on the bike or in the wagon. Highway Cops did one this week just gone.

This is why I stay well left in a LH corner. "Hug the pole dammit - some loon is on our side of the road!"

[Blackbird]

Send the pics to pde964@police.govt.nz along with the vehicle description, time, date, and location.

If its still relevant on Monday when I go to work, I will follow it up.

If you've already contacted the company though, it might have negated the need for me to deal with it.

Donuts.

Rastus,

Although he's broken the law, just hold off for a bit if you wouldn't mind. Already had an email back from the Auckland branch saying that the vehicle and driver is based in Hamilton and they will be letting that branch know (and an apology). I replied to the guy saying that if it was straight punitive action, it probably wouldn't achieve much. Suggested that attending an advanced driving course through IAM or a commercial organisation might give a better outcome. That's not to exclude more formal action, just that we might be able to get a better result than just resentment...

Will stay in touch.

[rastuscat]

Rastus,

Although he's broken the law, just hold off for a bit if you wouldn't mind. Already had an email back from the Auckland branch saying that the vehicle and driver is based in Hamilton and they will be letting that branch know (and an apology). I replied to the guy saying that if it was straight punitive action, it probably wouldn't achieve much. Suggested that attending an advanced driving course through IAM or a commercial organisation might give a better outcome. That's not to exclude more formal action, just that we might be able to get a better result than just resentment...

Will stay in touch.

No probs.

If you can find a way to email some donuts to my work address that works too.

I'm actually really keen on alternative resolutions. A training thing would be a great result. I've been known to use that outcome myself.

Flogging works best for some.