Letter: drivers, we have a problem

As someone who enjoys driving and has clocked up a few kilometers over the years, I watch driver behaviour and try and consider the issue, and often wonder if we are considering the issues in the wrong way. 

My first enlightened observation is that we can never legislate against stupidity and none of us wants to live in a radio-controlled police state where our vehicle speed is controlled by electronic tags on signs or GPS. 

So maybe we need to improve on our road etiquette culture. The first thing that comes to mind, and we see examples of it multiple times a day, is stay on your own side of the road.

Around town and on the main roads, whether through laziness or arrogance, the practice of cutting corners is rife. 

So, let’s start with a little respect for other drivers. Driver frustration from following someone travelling under the speed limit causes following drivers to take chances in passing, often at inappropriate speeds and locations. Again showing a bit of respect for following drivers should be a part of our on-road etiquette. 

I also often wonder whether over-restricted speed limits actually causes people to get drowsy and nod off. A little burst of pace at the right time actually can inject some adrenaline into your system, and pep a driver up, but fears of a highway patrol car just over the rise stifles the urge. 

Something puzzles me about fixed and mobile radar units, and the amount of warning signage that comes with them. Are they a speed check or an intelligence test? 

Are there just too many variables involved in causes of motor vehicle accidents to be able to eliminate them entirely? Or are we actually discussing bureaucratic self justification with the current control measures that are being implemented?  

Rob Hamilton

Wauchope