Your say: Giving our members a voice

Driver attitude is key

So, the same old disc keeps spinning. You know the lyrics – speeding, drink‑driving, seatbelts, and so on. These are all important issues, of course, but safe speeds depend on multiple variables, including traffic volume, road conditions, and driver skill. That’s why we need to look beyond the strict policing of arbitrarily imposed legal limits. I can suggest a couple of new tunes that might actually help improve road safety, starting with driver attitude. Motorists could do worse than remind themselves that being in control of a vehicle carries responsibilities not unlike having a shaky finger on the trigger of a loaded pistol with the safety catch off, in a crowded room. It may be difficult to make that message truly sink in, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Primary school might be the best place for the first lessons, with the behaviour reinforced throughout high school and finally driven home in driving school or else, heaven forbid, you fail. Other essential prerequisites include sound judgment of distance and speed, together with full‑time concentration. That’s a full‑time job with no lunch break.

DAVID TAYLOR, Arundel

No rule for courtesy

The driver’s side door was only slightly open and still within our marked parking space when another vehicle came in fast and wide, striking the door end‑on. Had I begun to step out, the outcome could have been horrific. CCTV footage clearly shows that the only moving vehicle was the one that hit us; however, we were still assessed as being at fault. Why? Under Queensland Road Rule 269(3), “a person must not cause a hazard to any person or vehicle by opening a door of a vehicle, leaving a door of a vehicle open, or getting off, or out of, a vehicle.” We were accused of “creating a foreseeable obstruction.” In carparks, I expect that someone may need to get out of their vehicle, and I always drive with caution. If a door opens, I allow the person to exit safely. Unfortunately, it appears the law has different expectations.

LYN CHURCHMAN, Mount Coolum

70 years of membership

The past two editions of The Road Ahead have contained snippets from long-term members relating to the number of years of their membership, so I thought I would join the fun. I, too, am not claiming any record, but the enclosed photocopies of a letter written by the then general manager, Mr Leonard King, and also my 1955 and 1956 membership cards speak for themselves. I was 19 when I applied for membership, and Mr King’s letter of confirmation arrived surprisingly quickly. How well I remember, after each year’s membership renewal, receiving by post the new card and the RACQ sticker to be placed inside the windscreen next to the registration sticker. Of course, these days, as I approach 90, my long-haul trips are long gone. I now concentrate on food shopping and medical appointments, hopefully avoiding peak-hour traffic. Over the years I have made very few callouts for RACQ’s services – most would have been battery-related – but when we did need assistance it was always quick, efficient and friendly.

ROBERT A HEATH, Harristown

Headlights too bright

I thought I was the only one who had difficulty with bright headlights. However, it seems the UK is way ahead of Australia in addressing this issue. (The BBC reported late last year that the UK Government was reviewing LED headlights after criticism from drivers). I find the new vehicle headlights small with a sharp point of bright light. New 4x4s are the most blinding, as they are higher up with the light coming straight in. Even light from behind, seen in the rear-view mirror, is distracting. Can the RACQ lobby for an update to vehicle standards? Other non-compliant issues include big, wide wheels and tyres that protrude past the vehicle’s body; very high and pointed bullbars; excessive ride height due to suspension and spring modifications; and the excessive noise of modified cars and bikes.

MARK HENDERSON, Beechmont

OUR SAY: The RACQ Public Policy team says most of the issue isn’t with the lights themselves, but with misalignment after accident repairs and, more so, the fitting of aftermarket illegal HID and LED bulbs, particularly in 4WDs. RACQ is working with the Australian Automobile Association on raising many of the vehicle standard issues raised by Mr Henderson. We are also advocating to the Queensland Government for increased enforcement. While enforcement numbers are rising, there is still work to be done.

Tip to carry cash

I have just read the article ‘Experience Queensland's Matilda Way’ (TRA Summer 2025/27). With regard to ‘top outback travel tips,’ I wholeheartedly agree with all you have mentioned. Having done a number of outback journeys, one thing above all for me was always carry cash – enough for a tank of fuel and a meal or too. Often in these remote locations there's no internet service which renders ATM and EFTPOS transactions unviable. I've only been caught once and learned a good lesson. Happy adventures everyone!

GAYLE AND COL SAINSBURY, Toowoomba

Signs suggestion

Variable Message Signs (VMS) are invaluable for informing drivers of important updates. They also reinforce safety messages that support our wellbeing: ‘Speed kills’, ‘Avoid driver fatigue’, ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’, ‘Swim between the flags’. My proposal is that these signs also display the message: ‘Use indicators at all times.’ Every day, we see drivers failing to indicate when pulling out, merging, changing lanes, turning, or navigating roundabouts. At best, this inconsiderate behaviour is frustrating; at worst, it is downright dangerous. It is a pet hate for most drivers, yet it receives minimal publicity. A VMS message would serve as a regular reminder to all road users that indicators must be used consistently and correctly. I have attempted to contact the traffic authority responsible for selecting VMS messages, but without success. I truly believe this simple reminder could make a meaningful difference. Perhaps RACQ might have more influence, and more luck?

JIM BIRD, Mothar Mountain

Remote rescue

My son and I were driving down from Lockhart River, Cape York, when we broke down about 10 km from Lakeland Roadhouse on the Peninsula Development Road. We had a loaded trailer and ute – plus two cats – as my son was transporting furniture to his newly purchased home. I have Ultimate Cover with RACQ. I called for assistance, and a breakdown vehicle soon arrived. The driver, Ash, told us we would need a tow truck. We had set off at 5:30am and by this time it was 1:30pm, so we were getting quite hungry after only having a coffee at Archer River. Ash kindly drove me to the roadhouse so I could get some food and extra water, then brought me back to our vehicle. He was so helpful and went above and beyond his job. When the tow truck arrived, the ute was loaded on, and the trailer was towed behind. We were then driven all the way to my son’s house in Cairns, with the cats safe in their cage. The tow truck driver’s name was Nay. Both men are Sri Lankan, and I cannot thank them enough — they were pleasant, professional, and incredibly caring. They both live in Cooktown and are a credit to our society. I have been an RACQ member since 1970, and their roadside assistance continues to be exemplary. My sincere thanks to RACQ, and especially to Ash and Nay. On another note, although we were broken down, the people of Cape York are the best of the best. So many stopped to offer help. Thank you all so much.

LYNN LAYTON, Lockhart River

Best to face traffic

When driving or cycling I prefer that pedestrians are on my side of the road, facing me when there is no footpath. They can then see me and I know by their actions that they have done so. When running or walking I always face the traffic. From experience I can state that this is far safer. I can see the eyes of the driver or cyclist and determine if they have seen me. I can take avoiding action if they have not. When the vehicle is coming from behind this is impossible. Although the road rules state that "if there is no footpath or nature strip, or it’s not practical to use, you may walk on the road facing the oncoming traffic." My suspicion, however, based on observation and discussion, is that most pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are unaware of this option. I contend that in the interest of safety this should be encouraged.

ROB ELEY, Ferny Grove

Spare tyre needed

Why is it that many vehicles sold in Australia now do not have a full spare tyre? Both reviews of the Subaru Forester and Geely Starray (Summer TRA) stated that they do not have a spare tyre, yet the pictures depict both vehicles out on roads that seem to be far away from the nearest garage. Car makers often quote that their vehicles are made for Australian conditions, but I would not want to be stuck on one of those roads with only a repair kit or a run-flat tyre. It’s time that RACQ and the insurance industry lobbied governments to protect Australian drivers from this practice. All cars sold in Australia should have a full spare tyre.

STEPHEN MEHONOSHEN, Warner

Have your say

EMAIL roadahead@racq.com.au.

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