Nightline tonight

[red900ss]

Sam, I think Pete is saying he's up himself

[fatz]

level of wankers at both is high

and deno is the worst offender

i consider myself one as well

[red900ss]

but at least we can go around corners, and if we are pointing at a wall it's intentional

[Roy]

The kappa/adidas factor is down at track days, perhaps because all that nylon etc is flammable and cant be worn on the track:confused:

Sheesh, that comment outs me in the track day tool and fashion critic basket:)

[fatz]

mmm kapa

sik

[GoldZilla]

Sad to see that these things happen. Condolences to all concerned.

My 2cents worth:

I think there should be some sort of compulsory defensive diriving course to all new drivers and repeat traffic infringement offenders.

To say that there's no money for it is debatable - where does all the speed camera and red-light camera revenue go? Surely, the government is making a killing on the takings here, and they could at least put part of it back into the system in the way of (proper) driving lessons, better roads, etc.

Anyone who has picked up/received the last few months (or maybe a year or so's worth) copies of WHEELS magazine can read for themselves the few basic measures that could be taken to reduce the stats on road deaths and injuries... Here's just a few, taken from the October '04 issue:

* Better focus on roadcraft - driving is a skill, whereas current licensing procedures focus on rule compliance. Anyone can follow the rules and still be killed or injured in a car accident

* Raise the licensing standard - how many people (us enthusiasts included) would know how to control an unexpected slide, or steer and/or brake to avoid an accident? How many people know how to use their mirrors properly? How often do you witness some clown who doesn't know the best/safest procedure on entering a freeway and merging with traffic? How many people know what do and how to react in an emergency stop? How many people panic when the ABS kicks in and the pedal starts pulsing beneath their feet?

* Tackle over-confidence and risk-taking - we've all been there, so no need to explain this one!

There are plenty of initiatives that have been shown over the past year or so which would probably cost the govt and the community less than a 10th of what it costs when someone (just one person, mind you) is injured or loses their life in a tragedy.

Now, morbid as it may sound, I believe that when your number's up, there's probably nothing you can do about it. But isn't it annoying when you have a near-miss or accident (whether it was your fault or someone else's) and you get the shakes because you know that with better roadcraft skills that situation you just got out of (or just got into) could have been avoided?

Education, not legislation!

/end rant

Nick T.