Adjust the driver

I read with disappointment the news in your last edition that VicRoads has decided in its wisdom to reduce the speed limit on some of our key local roads from 100 to 80 kph.

In this ‘nanny’ state of ours where anything you can link to the words ‘safety’ or ‘health’ must then be seen as above criticism, I will take an unpopular stance and argue a different viewpoint.

No-one will debate that the loss of life or injury to loved ones due to road accidents is tragic. I suggest though, that demonising speed limits is not the sole solution. We should look at why accidents occur, and tackle what is appropriate.

Driving is not a birthright, nor is it a skill you are born with: it needs to be constantly practised, developed and improved upon. Like most skills, with time and practice, you get better at it.

Some people shouldn’t be left in charge of a shopping trolley, while others are impressive as they adjust their speed to the conditions and their level of experience. Many of these – mostly car club people – take an active pride in their driving, and strive to be better at it. Here is my point: it may not always be safe to travel at 100kph: but why accept the lowest denominator as the standard for all?

Under different conditions, the same trip with a well-trained driver has a significant safety margin and 100kph should be allowed - but it should be up to an experienced motorist on the spot to make that judgement, not some anonymous person in a remote office.

Of course, one contributing aspect is the shocking condition of our roads. As a friend once said: “If I have to maintain a roadworthy car, why doesn’t the local shire have to maintain carworthy roads?” Better roads make for safer travel – lowering the speed limit does not necessarily make a dangerous road safe.

Ian Maud, Cloverlea