Interesting, Joe! Did you show them your USA licence, and you got off?
Random breath testing is also done on any road around a city, not just the
major ones. Also the double demerit points for holidays is not only for
speeding, but also for not wearing a seat belt (back or front), and any
other misdemeanour. I think to have a low death rate (4 times less than
Colorado and probably the same for injuries) is good. The other thing is
that we have had these harsh rules for many years. Random breath testing
came in in 1982, and compulsory seat belts from the 1970's. All children
automatically put on a seat belt without thinking about it. Crash helmets
have been legal for yonks. So when you have been brought up with them, you
accept them more readily.
I find the most frustrating thing is being caught up in a long line of
traffic, and none dares to overtake, and on a 3 lane tollway, all the
traffic is totally bunched up. In both cases people are afraid of
radar...and our fines are quite savage. There are always places where one
can go fast if one wants. I know dozens, and so do most motorcyclists.
When all is said and done, you don't really arrive anywhere that much
earlier going slower, you save wear and tear on your vehicle, use less
fuel...and there is less risk of injury. There are some pluses, as anyone
will tell you who has had a death or injury in their family.
Well, Joe, would you recommend a visit to Oz in spite of our road rules?
Did you feel rich again?!
Regards,
Rob Chapman
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