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https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/01/17/lianne-dalziel-speed-reduction-rollbacks-are-crossing-the-line/
Lianne Dalziel has a point based on personal experience which is the third and most bitter way of leaning according to Chinese proverb. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Confucius | The Open University
But at the end I think she misses a point about safe people. She like so many of our people-in-charge is heavily on the side of top-down rule-binding. And she was never particularly people concerned in her work as a pollie I thought.
Now what about the idea of a campaign for being a top reliable driver, combined with courtesy and awarenesss of others on the road. Oncoming drivers often have a set stare to the front which one may feel to be good, ie not on cellphone. chatting to the mate beside, ordering the kids in the backseat etc.
Also cut out the deaths on the road straitjacket. Statistics about serious crashes would give better comprehension of driving behaviour. Not everyone dies. But counting the serious crashes or having a dual system of minor crashes and serious for those requiring hospital treatment, would help inform.
Have courtesy campaigns, reporting for a period of observed good driving leading to a discount voucher and thank you from Transport Authorities. Would go for a month or so, and be renewed FTTT during the year. Catch people being good, would be the approach.
And having pride in being a careful driver. A driver should be monitoring themself; thinking damn I should have waited to overtake or think am I putting my indicator on at the right time? Be aware.
Also when approaching roundabouts if drivers slowed by say 10-20 kmh they would be enabling others ready to go at different points to assess speed, and enter the traffic line with safety. By slowing down slightly it would enable others and more traffic would be kept moving. And the old theme, keep an eye on traffic lights ready to go when they change not sit and think what one wants for Christmas.
We are rule-bound in our present mindless government system. Instead try aim for co-operative citizens sharing the facility in a fair way. Then we could allow flexible speeds with more safety. It used to be that a driver was advised to adjust speed down to match conditions. Thoughtful, reliable drivers could apply differing speeds down or up in that way.
Gaza. It’s the most vicious of hells. Everyone must be on their side. Why aren’t they? They’ve lost their moral compasses. Can’t see what’s in front of their faces. The Jews there are the bad-doers now.
Morality can go for 50 years but it’s back again. Every Palestinian killed in Palestine is a lesser wound to me.