Tag Archives: Motoring

Australian International Motorshow wrap-up

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Despite a no-show from some of the bigger and ‘sexier’ brands like Alfa Romeo, BMW, Citroen, Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Australian International Motor Show had plenty of highlights.

Read the full A-V guide on the cars from the Motorshow.

Hyundai’s Blue-Will – their first ever plug-in hybrid.
Hyundai Blue-Will
Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV SPORT – it’s efficient and environmentally-friendly while being a sporty take on the electric vehicle theme.
Audi’s competitor to BMW’s Mini made its Australian debut.
Audi A1
Ford’s all-new Ranger made its world debut.
Ford Ranger
Holden’s new Barina Spark – hoping to appeal to Gen Y females.
Holden Barina Spark
Land Rover’s Evoque – its second appearance since its debut in Paris last month.
Range Rover Evoque

What were your highlights of the show?

 

Is it time to change the demerit system?

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A recent NRMA survey showed 62% of people supported reducing the amount of time demerit points are kept on a licence from three years to a proposed two and a huge 95% supported reducing the cost of licence renewals for drivers with a clean record (this is successfully being used in other states within Australia).

The survey also found 53% supported increasing the number of demerit points on a full NSW licence from 12 to 13.

The NRMA is also calling on the NSW Government to consider a system currently being used in London, where drivers booked for a low-range traffic offence can forgo the fine and demerit points if they attend a one-day driver training course at their own expense.

Each motorist will be given this option once every three years.

Would you take up this option if it was offered?

Considering the demerit system was introduced in NSW almost 40 years ago, the NRMA believes it is time for a change. Do you agree? 

Or do you think the system is fair just the way it is?

 * Find out more about the NSW demerit system

Why do Sydney drivers have such a bad attitude towards cyclists?

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Sydney has been called one of the most hostile cities for cycling.  Many motorists continue to be frustrated sharing the road with cyclists. But according to Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore in her address to the NSW Parliament in June 2010, increasing the number of cyclists on our roads could actually decrease traffic congestion.

“The 1 per cent of inner-Sydney trips already taken by bicycle result in 25,000 fewer car trips every day.  If people commute by bike for shorter distances they provide more capacity on the already overcrowded public transport services and speed up journeys for people who have to drive,” she said.

So if cyclists are helping to ease the congestion for motorists and improve the trip for commuters, what is it that motorists find so frustrating?  Have cyclists made you late for work, or caused a distraction?

Many motorists who are also cyclists argue that riding their bikes on the road have made them better car drivers.  Some cyclists have suggested that experiencing a cycling journey through Sydney’s traffic should be a compulsory part of getting a drivers licence.

What has been your experience with sharing the road with cyclists?  Do you have any tips for safely sharing the road with them?  Would you be happier if cyclists had their own lanes?

Are parents good driving teachers?

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An NRMA Safer Driving School survey has revealed that supervisors – parents, friends or relatives – need to do more preparation before teaching learners to drive.

A survey of 413 supervisors has revealed that only 52 per cent read the RTA learners’ kit and only 37 per cent read the road rules before supervising a learner driver.

NRMA Group CEO Tony Stuart said supervisors should prepare for teaching just as much as learner drivers should prepare for learning.

“Learner drivers need to be taught properly from the start otherwise they may develop bad habits,” Mr Stuart said.

The survey also revealed that just over half of supervisors (51 per cent), thought their experience teaching a learner driver could have been better. They said relationships could be strained by the experience.

Mr Stuart said supervisors who want to have a better driving experience with their learners should take advantage of a keys2drive session. Keys2drive is a free driving session that seats the supervisor and learner in a car with an accredited instructor.

“A free keys2drive lesson provides supervisors with a practical coaching approach they can use with their learner and focuses on teaching young drivers to reflect on what they are doing behind the wheel.”

Supervised learner drivers are some of the safest drivers on the road. But P1 drivers are among the most unsafe – about four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver aged 26 or older.

Are parents good driving teachers? Do you read up on the road rules before supervising a learner?

Using snow chains in NSW Alpine Regions

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As winter approaches and holiday-makers begin to make their way to the state’s Alpine Regions, it is important to know the rules for driving in ‘snow and ice’ risk sections.

The RTA recommends the use of snow chains when driving in snowy conditions. They have also identified dangerous sections of road in Alpine Regions with yellow lane line markings and signposting.

National Park regulations state that all vehicles must carry chains if driving through a National Park’s designated ‘snow and ice’ risk sections.

Note that 4WDs are exempt from this regulation (’4WD’ includes SUVs and vehicles with all-wheel drive).

The current designated National Park ‘snow and ice’ risk sections are:

  • Alpine Way - Thredbo to Tom Grogin
  • Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary
  • Guthega Road within the National Park boundary

If directed by signs or an authorised officer, chains must be fitted to the vehicle’s driving wheels. This should be done at chain fitting bays located along the route.

The RTA advises that it will carry out random chain inspections along these sections of road during the ski season. Fines of over $300 will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with National Park regulations.

Of course, snow chains must not be relied upon to guarantee safety when driving in snowy conditions. Sensible driving practices appropriate for the conditions must be used.

Visit Stay safe on the road this season for driving tips and information.

Have you had difficulty driving in the snow? Should snow chains be mandatory in snowy conditions?