I can't remember if I posted this or not in another thread, but there was an article in either the tele or herald about 3 weeks ago. It was about speed studies.
Apparantly in Europe they are actually increasing speed limits because it reduces fatigue. I don't know if anyone else is with me on this one but I tend to find that the slower I go the less alert I become to my surroundings.
If you travel faster it makes trips shorter and you are less likely to have your brain wander off.
Anyway, it also gave some stats and it was along the lines that NSW was out on it's own as far as attributing speed to deaths...it was something like 20% more than most other states.
Now I can't remember actual numbers but the article echoed my sentiments on the matter. I believe that:
-speed limits should increase
-penalties made tougher (on the proviso of the above)
-learners should not get their 'licence' until they pass a basic driver co-ordination test (similar to the motorcycle L's test)
I make the last point because I believe that there are some people who are just not and never will be capable of driving a motor vehicle safely because they simply lack the co-ordination too. These people should not be allowed to drive. Harsh maybe, but it's just the card they get dealt in life. You don't see blind people driving (no offense to blind people)...and people who lack the dexterity to drive should be no different.
It is such an irony, as some of you point out, that cars are getting safer and safer yet we are being forced to go slower and slower...
Anyway, i've had my rant.