I just got back (to the USA) from 2 1/2 weeks back home in Perth and I can confirm that it is much more strict in Australia than the USA. It is very obvious from the way people drive that they are scared to death of being busted. A lot of people seem to drive at slightly below the speed limit just to be safe. During my 2 1/2 week stay I got nabbed by a speed camera (67 kmh in a 60 zone!) and got random breath tested! For those that don't know, random breath testing means they block off a major road, stopping every car. If you are lucky and the road is busy you might get waived on. It's a major PITA even if you don't get tested.
I think the situation has gotten rediculous in Australia and I constantly felt apprehensive about getting in the drivers seat. Yes, Australia has probably one of the lowest road death rates in the world, but the Police Nazis there are still not satisfied. I know, for example that the Australian state of NSW has a death rate 1/4 of that of Colorado. Oh no, that's not good enough, they say...while I was there there was a lot of attention given to ways to lower the road toll even further with a particular focus on speeders. They recently introduced "double demerit points" for all long weekends for example. It never ends. While I do get annoyed at some of the aspects of driving in the US (red light running is rampant, lazy use of indicators and aggressive driving) I was quite glad to come back to good ole US of A roads. Cheers Joe. -----Original Message----- From: Rob Chapman [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 4:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Australia (fluff) was fuel injector fluff Thanks, Kev! I think that overall things must be more lenient where you are. Most police cars, marked and unmarked, carry radar guns. We have a host of speed cameras (although a lot of them are signed with large road signs). It is illegal for us to use radar detectors. On main roads I travel at 106 kph. On my minor roads I confess to going faster (much!). However, as a result of compulsory seat belts (front and rear), compulsory headlights ON for bikes, random breath testing for alcohol, and radar traps, our death and accident rates have greatly decreased over the recent years, and I think that most Australians recognise and accept that this a is a good thing. Still a GREAT country to visit! Only about $1200 return from USA, and cheap as chips for accommodation and food..and everything. About half US costs. Magnificent beaches, snow fields, desert, National Parks..friendly people (who speak roughly the same language!!)! What more could one want? Come visit!! Regards, Rob Chapman ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Hawkins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 6:43 AM Subject: Re: Injector Problem Fluff ====================================================================================== NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. ==============================================================================
