Ban on radar detectors being considered

[Ixion]

Well, it is really no different to an older machine without trafficators, where the rider must use hand signals. However, I would be concerned at the probability of dropping the 'phone.

[SPman]

Well, it is really no different to an older machine without trafficators, where the rider must use hand signals. However, I would be concerned at the probability of dropping the 'phone.

It's easier with an open tank bag - that's how I managed........

[Racer X]

If you text and drive you are an idiot

I "Red Repped" you for making sweeping generalisations about people with no back up evidence, which is exactly what the government is doing with this Radar detector issue.

[alanzs]

I "Red Repped" you for making sweeping generalisations about people with no back up evidence, which is exactly what the government is doing with this Radar detector issue.

I thought that was what this internet thing was all about?

[Meanie]

I "Red Repped" you for making sweeping generalisations about people with no back up evidence, which is exactly what the government is doing with this Radar detector issue.

My brothers car accident while he was texting was enough evidence for me to make my coment, he nearly took a family out while trying to text. Next time show your face and at least have the courtesy to engage in discussion before throwing your toys out of the cot and throwing red rep around.
I followed a young guy over christmas and thought he was drunk until i managed to get passed him and noticed he was texting while trying to drive. Didnt look like a good combination to me

[Slyer]

Its definitely not for everyone.

[naphazoline]

This is just my personal opinion.

Will banning detectors lessen accidents? Or stop people speeding?

I think it's time we opened our eyes.Are we really that blind?
It's sickening how authorities never make a mention of driver distractions in cars,(IE:stereos,phones,and all the things that cause these LAPSES IN ATTENTION).

I personally think that the conditions of our roads are absolutely appalling,(One good example would be the piles of loose gravel left unswept after resealing the road.Seems a very common practice around here as of late),but that's never an issue according to the so-called crash experts.(Some revenue spending here,might just lower the road toll.)

More worth a mention,is the pure lack of driver ability on the roads today.Maybe it should be compulsory to do a defensive driving course.(I've done one,and i'm all for it.)
Seems to me,that a hell of a lot of road users could do with some sort of coaching on the current road rules,and different characteristics that different vehicles have.(Not saying that i'm perfect.There's always more for me to learn too)

Now.....How many of us can say we never lapse in concentration EVERY TIME we're out on the road?

How many of us can say we're TOTALLY up to date with the current road rules?(If you haven't sat your license in the last five years,i doubt there's many.)

How many of us can say that OUR DRIVING ABILITY is nothing less then RECOMMENDED?

Don't you think it's all too easy to blame speeding,when there are obviously a greater percentage of contributing factors that we would rather ignore,cause maybe we're more guilty then a common speeder?

Yes,speed can kill......but so can a lot of other things that seem to get no mention when road tolls are discussed by the media/police/public.

I.M.O,It all points to ignoring our own faults/laying blame.

[Slyer]

Having to worry about speed is a distraction.
If we all just went about what feels right we would be able to concentrate more on the road.

[naphazoline]

Having to worry about speed is a distraction.
If we all just went about what feels right we would be able to concentrate more on the road.

I agree with that.
Especially on a big bike,where a minimal throttle movement results in a 10-15kmh increment.

[rwh]

It seems to me that this thread has plenty emotive debate but stuff-all in the way of facts. Last time this emerged, I did a literature search and have attached what I found. At least there are solid facts even though the political outcome may not be influenced by them.

Where did that document come from? Thought of putting a link to it in the stuff comments section?

Richard

[Blackbird]

Where did that document come from? Thought of putting a link to it in the stuff comments section?

Richard

From stuff I collated via the 'net. I did put a comment to Stuff with some blunt but polite comment plus a few lines about the study and last time I looked, they hadn't published it; not that it really matters. I have, however, sent it to a mate/fellow KB member who is a senior NZTA employee. I wouldn't hold your breath though as since when has evidence been a prerequisite for politicians to make informed decisions?

Edit: Just had a look and my comments were published in Stuff.

[Naki Rat]

Wow, You have 3 hands?

You only need your second hand when changing gears or doing serious cornering...

I suspect he was implying that you require a hand each for the wheel, your cellphone and your dick if you make a habit of texting while driving

[pritch]

You only need your second hand when changing gears or doing serious cornering...

Wow! They still make bikes with hand operated gear levers?

I have seen on the TV News instances where someone was killed while texting and another where a texter killed someone else.

It was when Harry Duynhoven as Minister turned down the opportunity to make texting while driving illegal, that I decided he was in the wrong job and perhaps he shouldn't even be my MP.

Duynhoven's subsequent decision re cheese cutters, and his announcement about banning radar detectors reinforced those impressions. Other people must have felt the same because he isn't Minister anymore, and he went from having one of the biggest majorities in Parliament to being an ex MP in one short term.

Sadly though I have no great hope for his successor...

[cold comfort]

It seems to me that this thread has plenty emotive debate but stuff-all in the way of facts. Last time this emerged, I did a literature search and have attached what I found. At least there are solid facts even though the political outcome may not be influenced by them.

Yes, sadly politicians, like journalists, never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Extensive INDEPENDANT research, as listed including an extensive one by Monash University proved radar detectors improve driver safety rather tan the opposite. Also another recent independant US study showed speed was only at 8% as a CAUSE of crashes the biggest cause being drivers on the wrong side of the road! No doubt we wil continue to be bludgeoned by the nanny state with self serving propaganda designed to justify revenue (little of which is spent on ourr appalling roads)