Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I'm as confident a driver as there is and I got me a big motor but these dipsticks don't actually bother to look when they pull out so it makes no difference.

The roundabouts that are giving me most jip are the 5 or so on the way from noosa to peregian springs (where school is). I'm fast coming to the conclusion its dog eat dog but that will be no consolation if 'lance' in his beat up 25 yr old ford with spoilers and who hasn't any insurance bashes into my kids.

Could do with the keystone cops patrolling the route now and again, cos I'm gonna be dastardly and Muttley from now on.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Drivers in SE Qld would have to be the worst in Aust.!! We have driven in Vic, Tas, SA, NSW and now Qld.......my god!......they are just crazy here! They have no idea how to merge and your right, they seem to think its all a big race! However, having said that, I cannot for the life of me, understand why the heck so many of them take so darn long to take off when a light turns green.

And dont even get me started on how long it takes for the traffic lights to change here, its ridiculous, thats why so many drivers run orange and red lights Im sure!

Every time we travel the M1 from the GC to Brissie we feel like we are taking our life into our hands, its scary how so many lane hop with scant disregard for other drivers! :blink:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I drive a bus - mainly suburbs -and an average trip includes 50+ roundabouts. Eight trips a day gives me a lot of experience.
If you're turning left and the left hand lane is clear, indicate left and away you go.
If you are going straight ahead, stay in the left lane but give way to anyone else on the roundabout, and indicate just before your exit.

If you want turn right, indicate right and then left just before you exit ( after you've passed the last left-hand exit).

Always give way to anyone already on the roundabout. Give way means to slow down and stop if necessary in order to avoid a collision or a dangerous situation ( much the same thing I would think!)

I surmise that a lot of the problems with roundabouts is that some drivers slow down or even stop before entering same - instead of treating it as part of the road system ( if there's no-one on your right within coo-ee then just continue at a reasonable speed and watch your mirrors when exiting)

Les

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Here are the 10 Queensland Driving Commandments that I wrote after my first year driving in SE Quensland. Got so incensed by the poor driving on the way to work one, day, I decided to put my frustrations down. Commandment 10 seems particularly apt..........

1: The speed limit displayed is actually the minimum speed which is safe for driving on the road concerned. Some people will try to tell you that it is the maximum, but these people drive Toyota Corona’s and only go out on a Sunday afternoon. Always exceed the speed limit if possible.

2: In these days of high fuel prices and concerns over the environment, it is important that we save fuel wherever possible. We can all help to do this by driving within 6 feet (1.8 metres) of the car in front. The slipstream from the vehicle ahead will result in reduced air resistance on your vehicle, thus saving you money, and the environment.

3: If a vehicle moves to overtake you, then this is a sign that you are not travelling fast enough. By way of apology, you should immediately increase your speed to match that of the overtaking vehicle. This then demonstrates to the other driver that you are now aware of the correct speed required.

4: When joining a highway from a slip road, you will find that the slip lane will gradually narrow until it disappears. As this narrowing occurs, you should keep your nearside wheels as far to the left as possible. Under no circumstances should you take the sign stating that the “Left Lane Ends” to mean that you should merge when a suitable break in the traffic occurs. This sign is only to alert you as to the narrowing condition. When the lane does eventually disappear, you should just move into the next complete lane. Checking to see if there is a break in the traffic is not required, as you will fit in somewhere.

5: Solid white painted dividing lines are simply a result of a local government directive to use more paint during time of a budget surplus. The broken lines indicate hard financial conditions. Therefore, you may feel free to drive over solid lines as you see fit. Driving over double solid lines should make you smile at the prosperity your local government, and State, are obviously enjoying.

6: It is not a widely publicised fact, but indicators are actually optional equipment on cars in Australia. There is no legal requirement for them to work, or for you to use them. A large family sedan moving into your path is far more likely to catch your attention that a small blinking light. As an aside, the use of incandescent bulbs such as those in indicators has a detrimental effect on the environment.
If you feel the absolute need to indicate, please ensure that you brake well before indicating, up to 100 metres, as your much brighter brake lights will alert your fellow motorists that you are planning to turn.

7: Despite their name, Fog lights (sometimes called “Driving Lights” by the uneducated) are for use at anytime of day or night. They will be found to be at their most effective when used from dusk until dawn, in almost all urban and suburban areas, regardless of weather conditions. They greatly increase the illumination of the 3 feet (1 metre) of road immediately in front of your vehicle, and also will illuminate any amusing bumper stickers on the car in front to keep you lightly entertained during your drive (* see Commandment 2). Another use of fog lights is to dazzle drivers in front, to remind them to dip their rear view mirrors, lest they leave them and be blinded by someone driving up behind them with their full beam headlights on. The use of fog lights at all times is soon to be made mandatory.

8: When driving on the highway, and approaching a joining slip road, there is no need to move into the outside lane to accommodate drivers trying to enter the highway. These drivers will be following Commandment 4, and so will not require a space in which to merge. Their journeying is not your concern.

9: In rare times of rain, it is important to make it to your home, or other safe place as quickly as possible. In a few cases, hail may be imminent. Therefore, you should drive as quickly as you feel comfortable, to your destination. Keeping the requisite 6 feet (1.8 metres) from the car in front during these times will actually lessen the water spray on your windscreen, improving your visibility.

10: The rules regarding roundabout use are many, and complex. These were designed by our British cousins, primarily for use outside Buckingham Palace, and other Monarchist sites. You should protest the Monarchy’s hold over Australia by ignoring any rules relating to roundabouts. Giving way to the right is optional, and never, ever signal your intentions when entering or exiting a roundabout. The left lane leading to a roundabout may be used for travelling in any direction, including to the right, as may the right lane, if available.

By following these Commandments, you will be playing your part in ensuring that Queensland’s road toll remains at it lowest, and proving that we’re better drivers than those New South Welshman. Or the Victorians……..

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

[QUOTE=anawanahuanana;5837507]Here are the 10 Queensland Driving Commandments that I wrote after my first year driving in SE Quensland. Got so incensed by the poor driving on the way to work one, day, I decided to put my frustrations down. Commandment 10 seems particularly apt..........

Luv'd it

However you should've been here in the 60's. We had trams, which you had to give way to, stop if they stopped, and about 10 mph past them if they were just parked.

Also we had to give way to ANYTHING that came from the right ( even on a main road you had to stop if a pushbike or something came from a sidestreet on your right.

Of course it was much more sensible if you went to Melbourne where you had to form a "wagon circle" around a junction from the left if you wanted to turn right - that was interesting!!

Les