Oz driving has destroyed my love for cars in only a year
Discussion
I agree with the idea that the limits are too low and everyone switches off, not helped by a total lack of enforcement by the police on lane discipline and (an odd one) driving an auto doesn't help as it promotes a lack of engagement in the act of driving.
I find the police tactics here very - very lazy. Mobile phones and drivers with a lack of awareness/concentration are the biggest issues in my mind. By far the biggest cause of accidents here must be a lack of concentration but how do you police that? It's easier to hammer speeding and collect the fines. The merge points serve to demonstrate this...people just don't seem to be thinking ahead and moving right - they're in the 'freeway zone' listening to Nova. Think about it, in the UK people are always in and out of lanes so you need to pay attention, whereas in Perth I see people changing lanes far less frequently, you simply don't need the same levels of concentration.
In the UK I'd say speed played more of a factor, but here - people quite simply 'zone out' and that includes me thesedays. I used to be all for the in the 'left unless over-taking', but what's the point here... stick in D, hit 100km/h - wack cruise and 'zone out' in the right hand lane - lovely jubbly!!
Back on the original topic, having moved from South Wales 4 years ago where I'd be up at 6:00am everyother Sunday to be in Brecon for a breakfast wrap, I lost my love for cars too - and drove round in 4x4's (along the beach and all that scene) for some time. However, I'd had enough about a year ago - I purchased a 2012 (prev gen) Clio 200 Cup and started doing track days (which are about $200/pop) but they do satisfy my 'need for speed'.
Then, I went out and found some decent roads (outside your typical York runs etc. which are heavily policed - although I ensure I never breach the speed limit in anycase) Sure, it's an hours drive before you 'have fun' but that's standard in most places. It's no Evo Triangle or run through Brecon at dawn, but serves its purpose.
So after 3 years, I started to enjoy cars again!
I find the police tactics here very - very lazy. Mobile phones and drivers with a lack of awareness/concentration are the biggest issues in my mind. By far the biggest cause of accidents here must be a lack of concentration but how do you police that? It's easier to hammer speeding and collect the fines. The merge points serve to demonstrate this...people just don't seem to be thinking ahead and moving right - they're in the 'freeway zone' listening to Nova. Think about it, in the UK people are always in and out of lanes so you need to pay attention, whereas in Perth I see people changing lanes far less frequently, you simply don't need the same levels of concentration.
In the UK I'd say speed played more of a factor, but here - people quite simply 'zone out' and that includes me thesedays. I used to be all for the in the 'left unless over-taking', but what's the point here... stick in D, hit 100km/h - wack cruise and 'zone out' in the right hand lane - lovely jubbly!!
Back on the original topic, having moved from South Wales 4 years ago where I'd be up at 6:00am everyother Sunday to be in Brecon for a breakfast wrap, I lost my love for cars too - and drove round in 4x4's (along the beach and all that scene) for some time. However, I'd had enough about a year ago - I purchased a 2012 (prev gen) Clio 200 Cup and started doing track days (which are about $200/pop) but they do satisfy my 'need for speed'.
Then, I went out and found some decent roads (outside your typical York runs etc. which are heavily policed - although I ensure I never breach the speed limit in anycase) Sure, it's an hours drive before you 'have fun' but that's standard in most places. It's no Evo Triangle or run through Brecon at dawn, but serves its purpose.
So after 3 years, I started to enjoy cars again!
Edited by CountingBricks on Monday 4th May 10:54
I hope I'm not 'hijacking' the thread - But for anyone in WA interested in some regular track time, here's the series I join every few 2/3 months (hoping to attend more over the next few months).
http://speedeventseries.lsdlconnect.net/
What do you need:
To join a local CAMS affiliated club - Circa $50
CAMS license (paperwork excercise) - $150 (from memory)
Helmet - say $80
Fire extinguisher - $30 (Supercheap Auto)
Blue trianble showing battery location - $3 for some blue electrical tape or the proper graphic from a race store.
Not to take it too seriously - there's everything from single seater open wheelers to a 20yr old Nissan Sunny (that generally laps faster than the exotic machines!).
Take a look at the tracks/events, there's a surprising variety of tracks throughout the year.
http://speedeventseries.lsdlconnect.net/
What do you need:
To join a local CAMS affiliated club - Circa $50
CAMS license (paperwork excercise) - $150 (from memory)
Helmet - say $80
Fire extinguisher - $30 (Supercheap Auto)
Blue trianble showing battery location - $3 for some blue electrical tape or the proper graphic from a race store.
Not to take it too seriously - there's everything from single seater open wheelers to a 20yr old Nissan Sunny (that generally laps faster than the exotic machines!).
Take a look at the tracks/events, there's a surprising variety of tracks throughout the year.
You need to move to Adelaide if you want to see really 'I have no idea' driving. Having said that, some fabulous roads. Nothing beats the hills by cleland wildlife park. Just about a 2 laner. 7 kms of roller coaster, hairpins, blind crests, opening and closing bends. The lot. And trees. Lots of them. No coppers on sight.
Hills road up to Greenhill from Adelaide.
Turn right at Tailem Bend towards Cape Jaffa. 200kms of incredible driving roads.
I miss them very much.
Hills road up to Greenhill from Adelaide.
Turn right at Tailem Bend towards Cape Jaffa. 200kms of incredible driving roads.
I miss them very much.
Gingerbread Man said:
motomk said:
Gingerbread Man said:
I had the Caterham out for a bit of a drive with a Corvette just this weekend. I think it's more location based.
Not that blue one from down the road?
jagsy said:
Gingerbread Man said:
motomk said:
Gingerbread Man said:
I had the Caterham out for a bit of a drive with a Corvette just this weekend. I think it's more location based.
Not that blue one from down the road?Coatesy351 said:
Pommygranite said:
When was the last time anyone red lined their car in 2 consecutive gears here?
God there are things I miss about the UK.
Well the police take a dim view of 160kph.God there are things I miss about the UK.
Pommygranite said:
Colonial said:
Pommygranite said:
When was the last time anyone red lined their car in 2 consecutive gears here?
God there are things I miss about the UK.
About 1 hr ago. God there are things I miss about the UK.
Get a slower car. It's more fun.
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