School zone thoughts...

[paul_r_d]

Just something that I think about... I think the time controlled 40km school zones potentially are more dangerous... why you ask cos of the following

-Who loses concentration when they are approaching school zones to check the time? The 8.30 time slot is easy to judge, but the 2.30-4.00??? I mean come on!!!

-Who takes there eyes off the road to check an in car clock, or yet worse- their mobile???

-Who asks their passengers if its "school holidays"?

For those of us who dont have children I find this hard!

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on this........

[prydey]

its obvious you don't have kids!! you should always drive with caution around schools/kids etc regardless of time of day.

[andrewts]

Being a student, and going to a school on a road with two other schools, I really appreciate it when blockheads slow the hell down. Learn to cope buddy!

[BA_Turbs]

Originally Posted by prydey

its obvious you don't have kids!! you should always drive with caution around schools/kids etc regardless of time of day.

Exactly! I am no fan of stupid speed limits, but around schools I'm happy to do 40km/h. Even during school holidays or weekends there's still always the potential for kids to be around playing in the school grounds.

[Walkinshaw]

Timed speedlimits are pathetic. Just put a 40zone up. Monday Friday during daylight hours. Then you can whinge how slow the road is.

PS: we should leave road safety upto the kids. Natural selection will get rid of the ones who will struggle later on anyway

[plext]

I like the flashing lights concept. Makes it clear and hopefully raises awareness that there may well be kids about.

Surely the $2.8 bazillion raised weekly in fines could cover a rollout within a reasonable timeframe?

[fmc351]

Unbelievable. Another one admitting he cant walk and chew gum at the same time.

Consider a travel card.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by plext

I like the flashing lights concept. Makes it clear and hopefully raises awareness that there may well be kids about.

Surely the $2.8 bazillion raised weekly in fines could cover a rollout within a reasonable timeframe?

Exactly ... it does make it easier for everyone.
I know it does for me when out delivering ... just saves me the extra 2-3 seconds to figure out if it's school zone time or not.

I don't have kids ... but I do see that it is important to slow down for these areas ... the amount of times I have seen kids chase a ball out onto the road without thinking/looking is scary.

[Rodp]

Well, gee. Masses of kids on the footpath is a pretty good indication that it's probably a good idea to check your speed and keep an eye on any stray kids. Just about every car I've owned in the last 10 or so years had a clock easily visible at a glance, if I lost concentration everytine I glanced at my clock (as I have to drive around and make appointments several times a day) I'd hand in my licence.

[chevypower]

Here, there are 20mph signs with school zone. They are large. You only need to slow down to 20mph when the big yellow lights are flashing. No hidden speed cameras, no traps, no need to check your watch. Everyone slows down when the lights are flashing, and everybody is safe. Driving through Sydney was completely the opposite. Traps everywhere! Hopefully the revenue raising will stop one day back home.

[Nostalgia]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Unbelievable. Another one admitting he cant walk and chew gum at the same time.

Consider a travel card.

Exactly mate. Well said.

[Pedro]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Unbelievable. Another one admitting he cant walk and chew gum at the same time.

Consider a travel card.

I don't think your post could be considered constructive.

The gist of paul r d's post is valid.

I have no school-age children children and drive through a "school zone" every day. I have no idea when school holidays start and stop, so to be safe, I quite often drive through the zone at 40kph without realising it is holiday time, (much to the annoyance of some fellow motorists). I also take time to check the time in my watch when approaching a school zone. And as some zones have different times, I have to concentrate on reading the time on the road sign as well and so on.

By contrast, the flashing 40km signs as mentioned by "plext" that I've seen outside some NSW shools are brilliant and leave every motorist in no doubt.

[Josh L]

I don't have an issue with the school zones... kids muck around on the footpath and such while waiting for "mum and dad", so some kid tripping and falling on the road is highly likely.

The way I see it, it is either you just bloody put up with the signs and do the right thing

OR

get locked up for running over some kid because you couldn't stop in time and end up regretting it for the rest of your life.

I can't stand the barrage of "MORONS" that tailgate people who obey the school zones.

I shall now not type anymore on this, as my blood is beginning to simmer.

Josh.

[LeadFoot81]

I automatically slow down when I approach schools regardless, I have no drama looking slightly to the right to check what time it is, and there are signs all over the shop telling me its a school zone and its time to slow down! What did the other guys say, you mustnt be able to walk and chew gum at the same time? lol

[GasoLane]

I think Adel has the flashing light system, well they did 30 odd years ago.

Unfortunately for that to happen to every school here (NSW) the RTA will wait untill some kid get hit first.

As for the inane comments

Originally Posted by prydey

its obvious you don't have kids!! you should always drive with caution around schools/kids etc regardless of time of day.

and

Originally Posted by fmc351

Unbelievable. Another one admitting he cant walk and chew gum at the same time.

It's good to see that we have people that have NEVER broken a school speed limit and spend a good amount of time checking their speedo and clock.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

I think Adel has the flashing light system, well they did 30 odd years ago.

Unfortunately for that to happen to every school here (NSW) the RTA will wait untill some kid get hit first.

As for the inane comments

and

It's good to see that we have people that have NEVER broken a school speed limit and spend a good amount of time checking their speedo and clock.

i wasn't saying i've never broken the law. i've even been caught for excess speed in a 25 zone (pedestrian xing) but that was before i had kids of my own which was my point. most times its not until your own circumstances change that you appreciate certain things. i now have my own daughter and see first hand the morons that don't slow down around schools. truth be known i used to be like that. now, because it affects me directly i see it as dangerous behaviour. whenever you are behind the wheel you should drive with a level of awareness at all times and maybe just step it up a notch in certain situations.

[Lightning Strike GT]

IMHO and I could not give a flying big one what people think
ALL variable speed zones have flashing lights to warn of a speed change WHY IN THE HELL school zones do not have these it would make it easier for drivers and the cops behind the bus shed to know what time of the day it is
I have been through a few that flash and have a big red 40 sign in neon so you can't miss it and with the crap load of money the gov't get from the speeding tax that is where it should be invested

[Josh_XC]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Unbelievable. Another one admitting he cant walk and chew gum at the same time.

Consider a travel card.

Hahah yeh mate i agree. If people find it hard to follow the time and slow down for school zones they shouldn't be driving at all!

[Zeuspig]

Agreed

[Lightning Strike GT]

Originally Posted by Josh_XC

Hahah yeh mate i agree. If people find it hard to follow the time and slow down for school zones they shouldn't be driving at all!

You have a watch that can loose time and you are the only car on the road no kids abaout and get done at 901 am by the coppers watch - a warning system would prevent all this - simple it is not rocket science but to some people it is

[Kryton]

Originally Posted by Josh_XC

Hahah yeh mate i agree. If people find it hard to follow the time and slow down for school zones they shouldn't be driving at all!

again, the point isnt about people NOT wanting to follow the zone limits, its about the fact that they are fixed signs NOT electronic signs that tell you the speed limit.
im one of the ones that dont have kids, i dont hang around kids, and i sure as hell dont know when the school holidays start or finish.
"oh, look around...school kids on the side of the is a good sign its not school holidays"......
LAME.
i always see mass amounts of school children standing beside the road at 2:40pm almost everyday....oh hang on....I DONT because they're in class.
we have a couple of electronic zones here and they make a world of difference.
i know when school is on because the sign tells me to do 40kmh instead of 70kmh.
the government has collected enough money already, if they are serious about safety and NOT collecting revenue, then its about time EVERY school zone had electronic speed signs.
good to see there still those here that feel children dont have to have any road safety knowledge as well. <- thats sarcasm too incase you cant figure it out.

[Falcon_Crazy]

I m pleased they have installed flashing signs in NSW - i dont have kids, haven't worn a watch since 1994 and my clock could well be incorrect - who ows. What i do know is there is no law which states i must know

a) What time it is
b) When school is in.

In the interest of road safety, they should flash - no one wants to hit a stray kid, i dont mind slowing down, i just want advice when the limit is in place for everyones sake.

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by Pedro

I have no school-age children children and drive through a "school zone" every day. I have no idea when school holidays start and stop, so to be safe, I quite often drive through the zone at 40kph without realising it is holiday time, (much to the annoyance of some fellow motorists). I also take time to check the time in my watch when approaching a school zone. And as some zones have different times, I have to concentrate on reading the time on the road sign as well and so on.

By contrast, the flashing 40km signs as mentioned by "plext" that I've seen outside some NSW shools are brilliant and leave every motorist in no doubt.

Oh come on, this complaint goes with the other half baked thought that speed cameras make you drive like Nanna huddled over the steering wheel to ensure they dont creep over the limit. When people start complaining in such terms, its not surprising they dont realise how incompetent they reveal themselves to be.

Think about your complaint, you have no idea when holidays start so it annoys other road users. Oh boo bloody hoo, get over it, or read a calendar. So what? Kids do dumb stuff, its part of being a kid so the only way to address the problem is slow motorists down.

I do like the idea of flashing lights, but until they are everywhere I manage to check the clock, and observe the times without drama.

Originally Posted by GasOLane

It's good to see that we have people that have NEVER broken a school speed limit and spend a good amount of time checking their speedo and clock.

I have never broken a school zone limit, Ive broken other laws, but dont make a habit of it, however a school zone is not one. Id make anyone doing 50 in a school zone automatic loss of licence.

How long does it take to check a speedo? Or read the time? Its usually digital for Christs sake.

"Ummm, the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is...." What are ya's, 5?

Its part of having a licence, checking mirrors while driving, headchecks when changing lanes, keeping an eye on your speed does not mean stare at the speedo. There is so much harder to manage things with driving, if you master a basic, you need to rethink your suitability to drive. Yeah yeah truck driver, I remember the 400,000km post.

Originally Posted by JG23BP

You have a watch that can loose time and you are the only car on the road no kids abaout and get done at 901 am by the coppers watch - a warning system would prevent all this - simple it is not rocket science but to some people it is

Yeah, allow 5-10 minutes either side and you should be OK. Unless you dont even try to keep your watch in time, but then Id wonder why have a watch if you dont care what time it reads.

I can hear it already, "what, thats 5 minutes I shouldnt have too"

These type of systems of flashing lights or adjustable speed limit signs rolled out nationwide to every school would not be cheap and you wont like the bill, and kids face danger until its done. I agree they should be done, but until then, make do with what we have. Its not bloody hard, or shouldnt be.




And davway that sarcasm is ludicrous. Kids do have to have road sense, but the fact is they act on impulse thats what kids do by nature, its just a shame that half the drivers havent out grown that same trait.

Originally Posted by Falcon_Crazy

What i do know is there is no law which states i must know

a) What time it is
b) When school is in.

Yes there is. The school zone itself necessitates you to know or abide by it all times, by default the law requires you to know. You cant claim you had no idea and get out of it.

[4Vman]

With such wide and contrasting opinions and attitudes about driver behaviour and road etiquette towards the road rules (or rather contept of...) its not surprising there are so many accidents every day.
Driving home this afternoon as i approached an intersection the lights turned amber so i braked.. 2 seconds after applying the brakes i hear a howl of tyres behind me.. i look in the rear view mirror and see the car behind me locked up and smoke pouring of the rear tyres so i eased off the brake peddle to give him room to stop, by this time i was 6 feet over the pedestrian lines, then he had the audacity to abuse me for stopping for the amber!
The lights went green and he sat up my bum for about 100m's till a flash of blue and red behind him ended his stupidity... What he hadnt ralised was there was a police car behind him the whole time who had witnessed the whole debarcle.. i hope they threw the book at him....

[GasoLane]

Ah, you have to love the poster with 'attitude'

Originally Posted by fmc351

Think about your complaint, you have no idea when holidays start so it annoys other road users. Oh boo bloody hoo, get over it, or read a calendar. So what? Kids do dumb stuff, its part of being a kid so the only way to address the problem is slow motorists down.

I never actually noticed a complaint in Pedro's post

Originally Posted by fmc351

How long does it take to check a speedo? Or read the time? Its usually digital for Christs sake.
"Ummm, the big hand is on the 2 and the little hand is...." What are ya's, 5?

So can we assume that every time you approach a school you look to see what time it is?

You might do a little better if it was constructive critism instead of straight out abuse.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

With such wide and contrasting opinions and attitudes about driver behaviour and road etiquette towards the road rules (or rather contept of...) its not surprising there are so many accidents every day.
Driving home this afternoon as i approached an intersection the lights turned amber so i braked.. 2 seconds after applying the brakes i hear a howl of tyres behind me.. i look in the rear view mirror and see the car behind me locked up and smoke pouring of the rear tyres so i eased off the brake peddle to give him room to stop, by this time i was 6 feet over the pedestrian lines, then he had the audacity to abuse me for stopping for the amber!
The lights went green and he sat up my bum for about 100m's till a flash of blue and red behind him ended his stupidity... What he hadnt ralised was there was a police car behind him the whole time who had witnessed the whole debarcle.. i hope they threw the book at him....

Brilliant, I'd loved to have been there

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Brilliant, I'd loved to have been there

It was rather satisfying..

Yet there are people here who will think im in the wrong for braking for the amber (rather than for the red).....
There will be others who will believe its the traffic lights fault for making me stop (those dastardly traffic lights that make you loose concentration), and there are probably others who believe i should have held my ground and let him run up my bum to "teach him a leason"....

[schnoods]

In Darwin its 7-5 that the zone is 40kmph not just a few set hours.

Its only a 1km stretch anyways..

[prydey]

i think if every time someone approached a school zone they should assume there could be kids around and adopt the necessary caution. i find it amusing that there appear to be some who think if its outside the times quoted on the sign then they'll do there 60kph regardless of the surroundings.

[Uncle_Ken]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Exactly ... it does make it easier for everyone.
I know it does for me when out delivering ... just saves me the extra 2-3 seconds to figure out if it's school zone time or not.

I don't have kids ... but I do see that it is important to slow down for these areas ... the amount of times I have seen kids chase a ball out onto the road without thinking/looking is scary.

I have seen kids hit by cars crossing busy roads (all pm), all were before the 40 zone came in. All where drivers chasing the amber before red to get through the intersection.
(The kids injuries were broken legs/arms and concussion).
They were all lucky the cars were coming onto the main road and not doing 60. A 40 ka hit is always better than a 60.

I agree the flashing lights should be standard. There is no easy answer to holidays (don't forget public and private schools have different start/finish days as well).

Kids get drilled at school to look both ways etc crossing the road, but like car drivers, they don't also remember or obey road safety rules (at any age)

My 2 cents worth,
Uncle Ken