On Saturday I had to visit Forbes NSW emergency department. While there, the ambos turned up with an old fella in a neck brace and we heard them explain that he's been pulled from a wreck by onlookers about 20km from town, the car was righted and his wife was still in there, presumably still being cut out. She had fallen asleep and rolled the car, thankfully without collecting any innocent families (ie. mine) and seemingly without causing death to themselves. They were from Melbourne.
Driving out of Forbes a few days ago, the missus and I talked about it. It is my view that she made a conscious decision to press on despite no doubt having all the warning signs - long blinks, the head nods, creeping tiredness etc. We've all been there and sometimes (myself included) we've decided to press on and take the risk. Not any more - too old and responsible now...
I know this is a bit beside the point, but here is a potentially lethal situation - probably not an uncommon one at these times, IMHO knowingly created by someone old enough to know better that could easily have taken the road toll to even great heights. If they'd hit us and taken us all out, it would have been 8 more unnecessary deaths.
Part of the problem comes from cities unleashing thousands of drivers lacking experience in long distance driving onto our roads. Perhaps people just don't care about tiredness, speed, silly decisions on the road until they're either caught or worse. "I'll be right", "I'm a good driver" etc.
When I was doing a lot of motorbike touring I became painfully aware of the 'quality' of many other drivers with whom I had to share the road. As someone else has said - just considering the P platers - males and females intent on their devices, giving the job of driving about 20% of their attention and often driving far too quickly. How do you get it across to these USAs to change their behaviour? ("USA" = "Unjustifiably Self Assured").
The revenue-oriented focus of the police that assumes that speed is the root of all evil (it's a factor in everything of course) without being a little more sophisticated about the real causes can blind a society to its own inadequacies. How then can this be managed properly? A real root cause analysis without the influence of the mighty $$$ could be a start.
It appears there are few votes in improving our drivers as proper education and training would certainly require a huge focus and revenue. Can't see that happening any time soon. In the meantime, I'm much happier taking beautiful quiet back-roads, budgeting for longer commute times and calmer, safer driving!
Phew - feels great to have that rant off my chest!
Cheers,
Dave
