Your say: Giving our members a voice

Licence re-testing suggestion

Despite increased fines, double demerit points, speed and mobile phone cameras, and numerous other road safety programs, the road toll seems to be ever increasing – showing that the current programs are having little, if any, effect on road accident and death statistics.

The solution could lie in better and ongoing education by refreshing road rules, with examples of accident scenarios as part of the vehicle licence renewal process.

Many people on the roads have not had a road rule refresher since they attained their licences – often many years ago – with many changes to road rules since.

With so much training now available in online formats, and many workplaces utilising online technology to instruct employees, why not introduce up-to-date licence testing with video scenarios to show the dangers of distraction, speeding, and other major factors in road accidents and deaths?

This would reiterate the challenges of driving safely on our roads. As a tradesman, I have been required to refresh my skills every five years with my licence renewal.

Why not introduce the same system for vehicle licence renewal?

JOE JURISEVIC, LAKE CATHIE, NSW

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Night to remember

Having never won a major prize before, I was excited to win a wonderful package from RACQ for two people to see Torvill and Dean's Last Dance from the RACQ VIP Members Suite at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 14 June.

The show was magnificent! I saw Torvill and Dean's 1986 show at the opening of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, so it was fitting that I was there to witness their ‘last dance’ 39 years later.

We were so grateful and appreciative of the whole experience, and for the care and thoughtfulness shown to us by Vicci from RACQ and the lovely BEC staff.

We truly did feel like VIPs! It was an occasion we will treasure for years to come.

JENNY KINNEAR, GREENMOUNT

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Time to stop

Several years ago, my elderly neighbour was being tested to renew her licence. She failed for not stopping long enough at the ‘stop’ sign. The examiner said she should have stopped, counted to five, and then proceeded.

When relating this to people, they laugh and say, "That is ridiculous." If I stop that long, I get tooted from the car behind. I still do it.

BEV MCDONALD, KOOLEWONG

OUR SAY: In Queensland, there is no specific time you are required to stop at a ‘stop’ sign. The law simply requires that drivers come to a complete stop before the stop line and give way to all other traffic before proceeding.

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Bike lane parking risk

The Queensland Transport website states: “You can stop or park in a marked bike lane if you are allowed to drive in it and there are no signs or road markings prohibiting it.”

Councils only consider a vehicle to be illegally parked in a bike lane if there are clear restrictions such as a yellow line or ‘no stopping’ signage.

Bike lane parking is illegal in New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory unless there is signage allowing it.

Given the number of electric bikes and scooters, particularly being ridden by children and teens, the bike lane parking policy is dicing with death, as riders have to veer into a traffic lane to pass parked cars.

Legislators must urgently address this safety issue before a tragedy occurs.

IAN TIMMINS, MERMAID BEACH

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Mobile phone query

When driving I always have my phone in my trouser pocket.

Recently my son jumped into the passenger seat and put his mobile phone on the centre console right next to my leg.

In the event of being photographed by a mobile detection camera, do I have to prove that it wasn't my phone or is the onus on the police?

DEREK BROWNING, GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS

OUR SAY: In Queensland, it is illegal to hold a mobile phone or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving. This applies even if you are stopped in traffic. Storing your phone in a fixed location, such as the centre console, will not attract a penalty.

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Riders ignoring rules

I am writing regarding e-bike rules in Bundaberg Central. Most people I have seen riding e-bikes have no regard for rules.

Walking around town, I have seen young teenagers riding in the middle of the road and then going onto the footpath.

They do not ring their bell to tell you they are coming – they don’t seem to care.

Something needs to be done; if they can’t follow the rules, they shouldn’t be on the road.

LISA LEWIS, NORTH BUNDABERG

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E-bike double standard

I ride my lovely old 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycle now and then on the Sunshine Coast where I live.

It is a treat and a joy to cruise around the back roads in the area – something I do about five or six times a year.

Unfortunately, this little treat costs me $556.35 a year in registration, not including insurance. My beautiful old bike does 0-80km/h in about 20 minutes, so it's no speed machine.

The other day, while on one of my short rides, I was travelling at the speed limit of 60km/h when, on my inside, I was passed by two young fellows on an e-bike doing well over the speed limit.

They did not wear helmets, and the pillion had a surfboard tucked under his arm. They kindly gave me the thumbs-up in recognition of my old bike. I was chuffed – really chuffed.

I was initially a bit startled and annoyed at being overtaken on the inside, but also by the thought:

Why am I paying the Department of Transport $556.35 a year for my motorcycle, when others can ride around on an e-bike illegally with no fees, no registration number for identification, and certainly no road sense or courtesy?

Am I the only one who thinks this way?

GEORGE ANDERSON, SUNSHINE COAST

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Legacy in motion

I was just reading about the 100-year anniversary of Ford Australia (Winter edition) and thought I might share a bit about my father, Bert Keanalley (1891–1965).

He was involved in the motor industry back before 1920, as reflected in the Maryborough Chronicle dated 25 February 1922: “Tarrant’s Garage. Mr Tarrant has secured the services of Mr Keanalley, one of the best motor mechanics in Queensland …”

In 1922–24, he and Thomas Gaydon were granted a patent for a clutch for the Model T Ford.

The Richmond River Herald ran an article on 11 April 1922: “Mr Keanalley will demonstrate an easy method of starting Ford cars in Childers on Saturday.”

This would have been before electric starter motors, and I assume that cranking the Model T Ford required turning the engine and transmission to start, as it had a version of pre-selected gears.

My father’s invention was a dog clutch to disengage the transmission, which made cranking the engine to start easier.

I have no idea if the invention took off or when starter motors became standard.

ATHOL KEANALLEY, ZILZIE

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Seven-decade member

Congratulations to Graham Cumming on 67 years of membership (Spring edition); but I think my husband Bob can beat you.

He has 70 years up – or almost. He turned 17 in March 1955, bought his first car (an Austin) soon after that, and joined RACQ.

WENDY TAYLOR, TOOWOOMBA

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Turning into trouble

Exploitation of suburban ‘left turn only’ lanes is growing increasingly dangerous. Signs and road arrows are regularly ignored in my suburb.

Signage indicates that the car driver must turn left, e.g. into another road or shopping centre. However, nasty situations have been created.

I frequently see drivers pull out of the main queue, accelerate to the head of the left-turn lane, then turn right into the main flow of traffic – causing other drivers to brake suddenly to let them enter. The same goes for drivers who misuse the white-lined slip lanes.

Perhaps a firmer reinforcement of Queensland road rules is needed?

GRETCHEN WARD, KENMORE

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RACQ CLUBHOUSE

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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