Monday, September 13, 2010

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre

Is it really that hard to follow? It is nearly 30 years since I began learning to drive and the expression "Mirror, signal, manoeuvre" still sticks in my head as being important. Whilst it is important to me, it seems many New Zealand motorists operate this in a different format.

Firstly, the mirror - in New Zealand this is apparently optional; the mirror is either unnecessary (presumably many motorists are vampires, hence have no need for a mirror). The other option is that it is used to view the carnage you have left behind.

The signal is also another work of art; why is it that most New Zealand drivers are incapable of using their indicators for the purpose they were intended, informing others of their intentions. Why is it that in New Zealand vehicles move into filter lanes and turning areas, but don't actually turn on the indicators until the vehicle is stopped and they are waiting to turn? There is a slight possibility that genetically kiwi drivers have developed ESP and are able to read the minds of the numb skulls who don't indicate properly. Alternatively, and more likely, is that Kiwi drivers can't multitask, struggling to drive an automatic Jap import AND switch on the indicators whilst moving. Maybe they haven't read the road code; as there seems to be an incredible amount of unlicensed drivers on the road this may be the case!

In the past few days I have counted over a dozen vehicles with out of date registration, no warrant of fitness or both. Having just spent $100 to make my daughters car legal I feel I must be the stupid one.

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