There’s a new word for people using smart phones without looking up to see where they’re going – smombies.
The Germans coined the word to combine “smart phone” and “zombie”. One enterprising German city in Bavaria has introduced in-ground traffic lights so texters don’t even have to look up.
New South Wales has the most expensive CTP insurance in Australia but, during 2014-15, South Australia had the highest average traffic fine of $410. A report by Australia Institute claims traffic fines hit low income earners too hard and proposes Australia adopt the Finnish method of basing fines on income.
Every week about three Queenslanders suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries in a road crash. Yet Queensland is the only jurisdiction without a lifetime care and support scheme to come in by 1 July 2016.
Before you drive home from the pub after a couple of drinks, consider what your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is. Alcohol was involved in 15% of fatal crashes in NSW in 2013-2015 and over 20% of fatal crashes in Qld in 2014-2015. Unfortunately, most drink drivers who hurt others are well over the legal BAC limit. But what if the limit was zero alcohol?
Speeding is the leading cause of death on NSW roads. Now thanks to social media, other drivers can let the NSW police know when you are speeding. NSW police already use social media to broadcast messages about safe driving. But they also get feedback from the public about what they see happening on the road.
You didn’t imagine this – it is taking longer for you to drive to work. Sydney’s roads are becoming more and more congested, peak hour is stretching out, and upgrading roads only makes a short-term difference.
Usually AFL teams are competing with each other but, on this occasion, Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants are working together for road safety. NSW Centre for Road Safety has signed them up again to raise awareness of mobile phone distraction and driver fatigue.
In January 2013, the NSW government abolished registration for light vehicles, effectively 97% of vehicles then registered in NSW. Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) would save $575,000 a year spent on printing and posting them. Next Victoria abolished stickers in January 2014 and Queensland recently followed suit.
Not many drivers are likely to know exactly how many demerit points apply for driving offences in NSW. But since 1997, double demerits apply during busy holiday times. You can very quickly reach the limit and have your driving licence suspended or renewal refused.
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