Your say: Giving our members a voice
Lightbulb moment
I agree with complaints about overly bright vehicle headlights. Traditionally, most headlights produced a light cone that gradually decreased in intensity toward the edge. Many modern LED headlights, however, have a sharply defined upper cut-off.
When these LEDs are viewed in a rear-view mirror at night, a disturbing phenomenon can occur. As the following car bounces up and down on the road, the sharp upper edge of its light cone oscillates across the mirror of the car in front. This creates a flashing effect where a very bright light alternates with near darkness.
This can be a major distraction and may interfere with the leading driver’s night vision. A possible solution would be to update Australian Design Rules to require headlight beams to taper gradually in intensity rather than having a sharp cut-off.
Gary Le Lacheur Frenchville
Heavy vehicle hassles
Travelling on Queensland highways highlights increasingly dangerous and disrespectful behaviour from some heavy vehicle drivers. Personal experiences have eroded long-held respect for the profession.
On the Gore Highway, a multi-combination truck forced me off the road while overtaking, despite my travelling at the posted 100km/h limit and oncoming traffic approaching. More recently on the Warrego Highway, a truck followed dangerously close while I slowed for a reduced speed limit, even though an overtaking lane was available.
It appears some drivers treat speed limits as advisory rather than mandatory. Lawmakers should experience these conditions firsthand, travelling major routes such as the Bruce, Warrego and Gore highways at legal speeds.
Shane Hounslow Drayton
Dealing with fuel issues
New oil field developments will not solve rising fuel costs quickly enough. While electric vehicles are part of the solution, their adoption will take time.
A faster alternative could be converting vehicles to run on gas. Australia is a major gas exporter with existing conversion technology already proven in taxis and applicable to both petrol and diesel engines.
Government incentives for vehicle conversions and service station upgrades could accelerate adoption, particularly in regional areas. Improvements in public transport, rail freight and alternative mobility options will also help, but gas conversion offers a practical short-term solution.
Peter Schaper Biggenden
What petrol crisis?
Since the 1970s, global conflicts and oil crises have repeatedly exposed our reliance on hydrocarbons. Despite decades of warnings, progress toward alternatives has been slow.
Today, advances in solar power, battery storage and electric vehicles provide real solutions. While concerns about these technologies persist, disruptions to global oil supply continue to demonstrate the risks of dependence.
With home solar and battery storage, charging electric vehicles can effectively eliminate fuel costs — offering a glimpse of a future less reliant on traditional fuels.
Sherman Oh Indooroopilly
TV ads popular
While visiting Queensland from Victoria, I’ve noticed your TV commercials featuring animals and birds. They are clever, memorable and genuinely entertaining.
The cockatoos in “Spotto” are a particular favourite, followed by the “Too soon” kookaburra ad. As an RACV member, I can confidently say your campaigns stand out.
Margaret Hedt Port Douglas
Walk on the right side
Walking on the right-hand side of roadways to face oncoming traffic is a long-standing safety principle. The same approach makes sense on shared pathways.
Walking on the right improves visibility and reduces the risk of collisions with faster-moving users such as cyclists. However, many council signs still instruct pedestrians to keep left.
Updating this guidance could improve safety outcomes for all pathway users.
Patrick O’Callaghan Bray Park
Tattoo down under
Congratulations on the latest edition of The Road Ahead. The article on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was especially engaging.
The Brisbane performance was described as the event’s return to Australia after 17 years, but I attended a Melbourne performance at Etihad Stadium in 2016.
Ian Wood Alexandra Headland
Our say: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo toured Melbourne in 2016 and Sydney in 2019. The Brisbane shows marked the event’s first visit to Queensland.
Spare a thought
Driving from Mackay to Townsville after heavy rain revealed dangerously damaged roads filled with large potholes.
Multiple tyre blowouts occurred during the trip, including damage that bent a rim and required the use of a temporary spare. Driving at reduced speed under pressure from other motorists made the experience particularly stressful.
Following the trip, a full-size spare tyre and replacement rim were purchased — a precaution that will not be overlooked again.
Julie Margrie Mackay
Faulty tyres
Some large vehicles can be heard producing a rhythmic “thump” sound, often indicating a tyre defect such as an internal bubble.
If left unchecked, these faults can lead to blowouts and serious accidents. Raising awareness may help prevent risks on the road.
Keith Everton Rockhampton
Pedestrian danger
At some intersections, pedestrian ‘Walk’ signals operate simultaneously with green traffic lights for turning vehicles, creating a serious safety risk.
When turning right, drivers focus on gaps in oncoming traffic and may not notice pedestrians crossing in their path. This design flaw increases the risk of collisions.
Adjusting traffic signal timing could significantly improve pedestrian safety.
Mike Wilkins Rochedale South
Have your say
EMAIL roadahead@racq.com.au.
MAIL The Road Ahead, PO Box 4, Springwood, Qld 4127. Please include name and address. Letters will not receive an individual reply and should be no more than 120 words.
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Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.