Faster=Safer

[auntymal]

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/140kmh-safer-in-australia-safety-expert-20101011-16fer.html

[heatherp]

I like what he says about speed.  But I was rather surprised to read that 4000 people are expected to die per year on German roads!!

[Mr.S2R]

I like what he says about speed.  But I was rather surprised to read that 4000 people are expected to die per year on German roads!!

considering the population of Germany is 82,000,000 that is only 0.005% (roughly if my maths is correct).  I think Australia's percentage is marginally higher - something like 0.006%

New Zealand is higher than us again. Not sure who would have the highest in the world..

[Roaduser]

id guess India or Malaysia would have the highest.

[dragonworld.]

China mebbe??

Is that the death in the prang? 

Or the death by summary execution afterwards for culprit for causing the traffic altercation?? 

[Mr.S2R]

Or the death by summary execution afterwards for culprit for causing the traffic altercation?? 

in that case the fatalities would be higher as any mofo cutting me off would be executed with extreme prejudice! 

[FIFO]

A Quick google and Saudi Arabia comes in as the worlds highest road toll 
http://www.greenprophet.com/2010/03/saudi-arabia-death-toll-driving/

But i guess buy the way China is swapping push bikes for cars it won't belong before they top the list.

I did read some where years ago the USA had some phenomenal road toll like 35000 a year ??

[DUCMONROB]

I would have to agree with the Dr. When I drove on the east coast of the US the highway speeds were around 130klm/ph (though everyone was doing 140) and what I found, I was more alert and the distances achieved were excelent. Before you knew it I would find I have driven through three states in a day. Driver behavour was similar to us here and there was a copper on the side of the highway every 10 minutes keeping an eye on road users.

+1 for higher speed limits on freeways

Rob

[techno]

On the topic of road safety, but not speed, I recently spent a week in Bali. The only road rule is that there are no rules, you do whatever you want. Never saw an accident or any road rage at all. Everyone just accepts everyone else and gets on with it.

It had a bit of an effect on my riding when I got back, ignoring line markings and such but I think I have assimilated back into the nanny state again. That Webber guy was really on to something. We do have too many rules.

[NFG]

The problem with this is it asks too much of the drivers we've got.  Of course the head of Mercedes thinks we can drive faster safely - he's not driving a Commodore with one working tail light and two barely functional brakes on bald tires.  Australians get the speed rules they deserve, IMO.  Of course, they probably drive like retards 'cause until too recently the driver's education program here was pathetic.  Even now, with the graduated schemes and restrictions new drivers and their parents still think rules are something they take pride in breaking.  The logic behind them isn't relevant, their personal freedom is at stake!

Not gonna get treated like adults until we start acting like adults, eh?  Keep on thinking it's easier to find a dodgy roadworthy inspector than fix your make the beast with two backsing car and you'll continue to be part of the problem.

You get a whole new perspective on a bike, where any wrong move - by yourself or other drivers - is likely to hurt an awful lot.  But everyone in a car?  I'm scared to death of them at 40km/h, at 140 I think I'd better invest in an armored car.

[auntymal]

...for years I have railed about the info from Europe consistently highlighting the fact that time on the road is risk/fatality related. A ten percent increase in HIGHWAY speed limits yields a 35% decrease in fatalities, due to fatigue and exposure, reduced etc. I went to all the journo rallies, and submitted "Rotten to the core with Blood on their hands" a title about, unrealistic speed limits providing revenue whilst actually INCREASING fatalities. ...too no avail....too hot to handle etc etc etc....so....in the name of Saftey, we suffer reduced limits, increasing the real fatality risk, AND fund it using a fines system whilst being expected to swallow, "it's for our own good!"....it can't get any more sickening than that............................................
 

[mostro900]

Absolutely agree with you auntymal. There is a totally myopic view of on-road safety that is all about speed and nothing else.
Speed may contribute to a crash, but what about fatigue?; driver training?; lack of concentration? Etc, etc.
Shits me no end.

[dragonworld.]

...for years I have railed about the info from Europe consistently highlighting the fact that time on the road is risk/fatality related. A ten percent increase in HIGHWAY speed limits yields a 35% decrease in fatalities, due to fatigue and exposure, reduced etc. I went to all the journo rallies, and submitted "Rotten to the core with Blood on their hands" a title about, unrealistic speed limits providing revenue whilst actually INCREASING fatalities. ...too no avail....too hot to handle etc etc etc....so....in the name of Saftey, we suffer reduced limits, increasing the real fatality risk, AND fund it using a fines system whilst being expected to swallow, "it's for our own good!"....it can't get any more sickening than that............................................
 

Absolutely, unequivocally......DITTO!!!