By EWAN KENNEDY
31 August 2009

Over the years I’ve come up with what I feel are many sensible road safety suggestions on these Opinion pieces. Yet I’m disappointed to see that most driving behaviour remains largely unchanged.

I still see people keying in SMS messages on mobile phones while they drive; keeping left unless overtaking is as rare as ever on multi-lane roads; drivers are still being dazzled by foglights that shouldn’t be on. And, the scariest of all, it’s unusual to see drivers with two hands on the steering wheel, let alone with two hands on the wheel in anything vaguely like the right position.

The sad list of dangerous behaviour goes on and on. Sometimes I feel as though I’m banging my head against a brick wall and that most drivers simply don't care about road safety - but one thing has given me great hope. My suggestions about courtesy in sharing country roads are certainly being heeded.

You may remember my saying there are two types of drivers on country roads: those taking their time and enjoying the sights, and those using the road purely as a means of getting somewhere and therefore driving faster than the tourists.

The idea I put forward was simple: those not in a hurry should keep their eyes on their mirrors and pull over when they can. Those wanting to press on should avoid tailgating and harassing others, overtake them cleanly when it’s safe and give a friendly wave on getting past.

I’ve noticed in recent months that slower drivers are doing the right thing more and more often. They do everything properly: signal in plenty of time, move over properly and do it in sensible places.

Sadly I haven't had a chance for as many slow-paced country trips as I would have liked in recent times. (One of the New Year’s resolutions is to do more - but I seem to have resolved that before!). But on the slow trips I have managed there don't seem to have been as much hassling by the quick guys as there used to be. Then again that's possibly because I’m very aware of practicing my own preaching and getting out of the way as soon as possible.

Of course, courtesy shouldn’t only apply on country roads. It should be practised in all places at all times. Try it yourself and you might be surprised just how many people thank you with a wave of the hand or a smile at the next set of traffic lights.

ewan@marque.com.au

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