Carattitude

[Grahameeboy]

Yup, don't doubt it and we're still right up there BUT, we also have one of the highest (we might be third I think) figures for vehicles per head of population. So, in reality we aren't THAT bad, however I won't refute any postings here (or change anything I've said) in regard to the fact we have a long way to go and much to learn.

I have to admit; I haven't read a Road Code since 2003. Anybody else want to fess up on that?

To be honest, I have alwways said that if you drove according to the Road Code you would not be a good driver.....a book cannot teach that.

1 example

This is what the Road Code says:

You must signal for at least three seconds before you:

turn left or right
move towards the left or right (for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle)
stop or slow down
move out:
from a parking space
to pass another vehicle
to change lanes.

Doesn't say anything about looking first ot making sure you do not cause another driver to brake or swerve.

Now how many times have you come across or seen drivers indicate change direction regardless of the presence of another vehicle.

No where does it say...Look, signal, manoeuvre......so drivers often manoevre, signal and then look.

[terbang]

Abysmal? I don't quite agree with you mate.

Check out http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/media/2007/070101.html

....and: "As recently as 1990 there were 729 road deaths in New Zealand. Since then annual road deaths have dropped by 47 percent, in spite of a 42 percent increase in the number of vehicles on the road and a 21 percent increase in population."

Stats Stats and more Stats. Other stats show New Zealand having a per capita death rate putting us below the likes of Australia and even India. Bearing in mind that we have a lot of room, or are sparsely populated with fairly quiet roads, I'll stand with the abysmal.

To be honest, I have alwways said that if you drove according to the Road Code you would not be a good driver.....a book cannot teach that.

.

The law (road code) should only be the minimum standard, not the maximum. We can achieve better results by education.

[peasea]

To be honest, I have alwways said that if you drove according to the Road Code you would not be a good driver.....a book cannot teach that.

1 example

This is what the Road Code says:

You must signal for at least three seconds before you:

turn left or right
move towards the left or right (for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle)
stop or slow down
move out:
from a parking space
to pass another vehicle
to change lanes.

Doesn't say anything about looking first ot making sure you do not cause another driver to brake or swerve.

Now how many times have you come across or seen drivers indicate change direction regardless of the presence of another vehicle.

No where does it say...Look, signal, manoeuvre......so drivers often manoevre, signal and then look.

Quite right, I was thinking more of the change in rules etc and keeping up to date. I should have been more specific. However, perhaps your point needs to be raised with the LTNZ??

Stats Stats and more Stats. Other stats show New Zealand having a per capita death rate putting us below the likes of Australia and even India. Bearing in mind that we have a lot of room, or are sparsely populated with fairly quiet roads, I'll stand with the abysmal.

Fair enough.
In the Waikato it is, that's for sure....I hate travelling through there.

[MSTRS:Me]

Here we go - the NZ motorist in action.....

[El Dopa]

I think it has something to do with insecurity, too much of a drivers self-worth here seems to be attached to driving ability and what happens on the road. I am still working this theory out in my head. People take it personally when they are overtaken and nowhere else have I seen a desire to punish other drivers for silly mistakes.
As a student of social anthropology I am fascinated by the behaviour of a lot of NZ drivers... as I said before I still haven't quite figured it out but there is definately something very wrong going on.

Been meaning to have a chat to you about anthopology an' shit next opportunity that comes up - next ride lunch stop or whatever.

The whole Kiwi car thing is something I've devoted a bit of thought to as well. And like you I'm no closer to an answer.

Or warm beer!

'Salright. Speights warms up nicely on the stove.