Driving us crazy

As a fellow ex-Australian I can only concur with Allan Borowski’s comments in his letter on the frightening situation on Israel’s roads. (“It’s no accident,” Letters, April 4).

I have lived and driven here for nine years, and still can’t get over the recklessness and inconsideration of Israeli drivers. In Australia driving was a pleasurable experience, except at peak hour. Here it is terrifying. I have become a defensive driver, assuming the other drivers will not obey the road rules, and sadly I am usually right. They drive as if they are invincible, and the road is theirs to do as they like on it. They don’t seem to be aware that their behavior is threatening their own life as well as the lives of others.

One saving grace is the roundabout. Today, while on a roundabout, I slowed down in my defensive mode as I perceived a truck was about to enter it in front of me, but to my surprise and joy he waited until I had passed before entering. A rare exception. I was still recovering from one driver who pulled away from the curb and another who wove in and out of three lanes, both of them in front of me and without indicating.

What is the solution? Re-education; less tolerant speed cameras (as Frank Berger suggests, April 4); a larger police presence; drones that can detect and identify dangerous drivers; an app called Shomer Haderech that records incidents in front of you (if you have it turned on)? Surely this innovative country of ours can come up with something that will help save precious lives, like that wonderful Israeli invention Waze, which I can’t do without.

Meanwhile, I offer a prayer of thanks each time I return home safely.

LEONIE WEISS Shoresh