Adelaide's worst driver

[Pseudo]

Driving home in peak hour. Stopped at the lights on South road, at Port road. Lights turn green. The car in front of me begins accelerating slowly, slowly, eventually tapering off at a mite under 50 km/h. I curse under my breath at this slowcoach as I wait for a gap in the right lane, eventually changing lanes and speeding up to 60. As I cruise past the snail I throw a glance in its direction....

... and see that the driver is holding a JB hifi catalogue up against the wheel, casually flipping the pages as I look on gobsmacked.

Reading a catalogue while driving on a major arterial road in peak hour traffic. Is there a bigger DH on Adelaide's roads today? Let's hear about 'em...

[spell_check]

If the driver was a male, I'm sure there are much bigger devoted husbands on our roads.

[cennals05]

A few weeks ago I was driving along the road that has Scotty's Motel on the corner. I was coming up to turn right at the North East Road intersection, so I was in the right hand lane. I was doing 60 KM which is the speed limit and some P plater in Mummy and Daddy's huge four wheel drive went on the wrong side of the road to over take me. Never mind that there is actually a left hand lane that he/she could have used or that we were about 50 metres from a major intersection.

This is not the only idiot P plater I have come across in the last few weeks. When are they going to learn they are not invincible?

Since being back in Adelaide I have been appalled at the driving and think some Adelaide drivers would have to be the worst in the world. There is a real small town mentality on our roads. It's as if some people go out of their way to make sure someone can't get in front of them. I think we are very spoilt with our traffic conditions or lack of, which has made us impatient drivers.

Whilst living in London, as a pedestrian cars would often stop if they saw you waiting to cross the road and let you cross. In Adelaide people are more likely to go out of their way to mount the curb and hit you.

[Psyber]

I agree about the mentality of not letting anyone get in front of you in Adelaide.
In Melbourne if you indicate you want to change lanes most people drop back a bit to let you.
Here they accelerate to block you - even if you are above the speed limit a little - and blow their horn at you.
[For wanting to move into their space presumably.]

[MightyEagles]

A few weeks ago I was driving along the road that has Scotty's Motel on the corner. I was coming up to turn right at the North East Road intersection, so I was in the right hand lane. I was doing 60 KM which is the speed limit and some P plater in Mummy and Daddy's huge four wheel drive went on the wrong side of the road to over take me. Never mind that there is actually a left hand lane that he/she could have used or that we were about 50 metres from a major intersection.

This is not the only idiot P plater I have come across in the last few weeks. When are they going to learn they are not invincible?

Since being back in Adelaide I have been appalled at the driving and think some Adelaide drivers would have to be the worst in the world. There is a real small town mentality on our roads. It's as if some people go out of their way to make sure someone can't get in front of them. I think we are very spoilt with our traffic conditions or lack of, which has made us impatient drivers.

Whilst living in London, as a pedestrian cars would often stop if they saw you waiting to cross the road and let you cross. In Adelaide people are more likely to go out of their way to mount the curb and hit you.

When will they learn you ask? When they are 6 feet underground.

[zipzap]

Having driven interstate a bit lately - in Sydney for the first time a couple of weeks ago - I have to agree. Everyone there is seemingly on the same page, there is no unnecessary hogging of outer lanes, no pointless overtaking with a view of being first...to the lights. Here we're not so much terrible drivers as completely and utterly selfish. Some of that is due to poor road structure (part of the pleasure from driving interstate comes from well planned and built roads) and some, as Pseudo suggests, to incredulous stupidity.

[Choccies]

Driving from Greenwith to Edwardstown every day for work I see some beauties. The usual teeth brushing, make-up, mobile phone talkers etc. But one day on South Road I saw a woman leaning right down towards the air vents coming from the centre of the console of the car drying her hair.... her head was barely above the dashboard !!!!

[Iron Fist]

Having driven interstate a bit lately - in Sydney for the first time a couple of weeks ago - I have to agree. Everyone there is seemingly on the same page, there is no unnecessary hogging of outer lanes, no pointless overtaking with a view of being first...to the lights. Here we're not so much terrible drivers as completely and utterly selfish. Some of that is due to poor road structure (part of the pleasure from driving interstate comes from well planned and built roads) and some, as Pseudo suggests, to incredulous stupidity.

the one thing that frustrates me most about being on our roads is people that dont do the speed limit, more then that is when ya driving down port road, its 3 lanes wide and 3 motorists are driving side by side at 55km so you cant get past. I always want to toot the horn, dunno if that would be just rude though????

[mick]

A few weeks ago I was driving along the road that has Scotty's Motel on the corner. I was coming up to turn right at the North East Road intersection, so I was in the right hand lane. I was doing 60 KM which is the speed limit and some P plater in Mummy and Daddy's huge four wheel drive went on the wrong side of the road to over take me. Never mind that there is actually a left hand lane that he/she could have used or that we were about 50 metres from a major intersection.

This is not the only idiot P plater I have come across in the last few weeks. When are they going to learn they are not invincible?

Since being back in Adelaide I have been appalled at the driving and think some Adelaide drivers would have to be the worst in the world. There is a real small town mentality on our roads. It's as if some people go out of their way to make sure someone can't get in front of them. I think we are very spoilt with our traffic conditions or lack of, which has made us impatient drivers.

Whilst living in London, as a pedestrian cars would often stop if they saw you waiting to cross the road and let you cross. In Adelaide people are more likely to go out of their way to mount the curb and hit you.

Great post, I think South Australia has the worst drivers in the country. Any sort of common courtesy is largely non existant because it might delay in getting to the next red light by a few milli-seconds. I've been abused by tail-gaters for allowing people who have indicated they want to change lanes to do so.

[Choccies]

A few weeks ago I was driving along the road that has Scotty's Motel on the corner. I was coming up to turn right at the North East Road intersection, so I was in the right hand lane. I was doing 60 KM which is the speed limit and some P plater in Mummy and Daddy's huge four wheel drive went on the wrong side of the road to over take me. Never mind that there is actually a left hand lane that he/she could have used or that we were about 50 metres from a major intersection.

This is not the only idiot P plater I have come across in the last few weeks. When are they going to learn they are not invincible?

Since being back in Adelaide I have been appalled at the driving and think some Adelaide drivers would have to be the worst in the world. There is a real small town mentality on our roads. It's as if some people go out of their way to make sure someone can't get in front of them. I think we are very spoilt with our traffic conditions or lack of, which has made us impatient drivers.

Whilst living in London, as a pedestrian cars would often stop if they saw you waiting to cross the road and let you cross. In Adelaide people are more likely to go out of their way to mount the curb and hit you.

Great post, I think South Australia has the worst drivers in the country. Any sort of common courtesy is largely non existant because it might delay in getting to the next red light by a few milli-seconds. I've been abused by tail-gaters for allowing people who have indicated they want to change lanes to do so.

Fair go mick. Nothing is more frustrating than people who scream down the road then at the last minute, whilst right next to you, stick their indicator on and expect you and your vehicle to disappear up your own backside to let them in because they are too impatient (stupid) to get in the right lane in the first place.!!! You're off the mark mate....

[nuggety goodness]

A few weeks ago I was driving along the road that has Scotty's Motel on the corner. I was coming up to turn right at the North East Road intersection, so I was in the right hand lane. I was doing 60 KM which is the speed limit and some P plater in Mummy and Daddy's huge four wheel drive went on the wrong side of the road to over take me. Never mind that there is actually a left hand lane that he/she could have used or that we were about 50 metres from a major intersection.

This is not the only idiot P plater I have come across in the last few weeks. When are they going to learn they are not invincible?

Since being back in Adelaide I have been appalled at the driving and think some Adelaide drivers would have to be the worst in the world. There is a real small town mentality on our roads. It's as if some people go out of their way to make sure someone can't get in front of them. I think we are very spoilt with our traffic conditions or lack of, which has made us impatient drivers.

Whilst living in London, as a pedestrian cars would often stop if they saw you waiting to cross the road and let you cross. In Adelaide people are more likely to go out of their way to mount the curb and hit you.

Great post, I think South Australia has the worst drivers in the country. Any sort of common courtesy is largely non existant because it might delay in getting to the next red light by a few milli-seconds. I've been abused by tail-gaters for allowing people who have indicated they want to change lanes to do so.

Fair go mick. Nothing is more frustrating than people who scream down the road then at the last minute, whilst right next to you, stick their indicator on and expect you and your vehicle to disappear up your own backside to let them in because they are too impatient (stupid) to get in the right lane in the first place.!!! You're off the mark mate....

spot on choc, one frustration is when people speed up a turning lane then try to scoot across into the traffic just to get ahead by 5-10 cars...

e.g morphet st heading up the hill next to the golf course, they fly up the far left lane knowing it will end then try to push their way into the lane going straight.

or at roadworks where one lane is blocked so they go past everyone in the lane that is ending then try to push in front of you, forget that!!!

[CK]

No point spending $10 or so on a Royal Show ride, when you can just drive the Southern Expressway every day and get a bigger fright from start to finish than you could ever get on any ride.

Popular ones include:

- Being overtaken on your right hand side, when you are already in the right hand line (that's right, people in the emergency lane) going well over 130km/h

- Noarlunga people, who drive the road each day presumably, deciding its more effective to change from the left hand lane across people to get into the Noarlunga exit in the afternoon or night.

- Truck drivers alternately sitting in right hand lanes at 80 k's, talking on their mobiles; revving hard behind you to push to you beyond 110k's in the right land when trying to overtake, to the point you can't see their numberplate, they are that close; or switching lanes without indicating, with dual trays.

- Little flashy cars, adorned with "Bad Girl" stickers, dashboards festooned with herds of stuffed animals, crystals hanging from the mirror to obligingly blind other drivers, weaving in and out of traffic with music that would wake Elizabeth residents booming from their car.

The lack of indicating leads me to think its time for the Government to make it a $750 fine and loss of 5 demerit points for failing to indicate. Yes, seems very draconian, but its one thing that is sheer, utter laziness and absolutely no reason for not doing it at all, and is one of the single biggest causes of accidents and rear end collisions, with people weaving in and out and point blank refusing to indicate out of utter arrogance. Bring in a huge penalty and it will bring more courtesy back quick smart. The number of times I've had very near misses by idiots swerving into my lane, when I am travelling at normal speed, with no indication at all, and nearly causing a major accident, is staggering.

[mick]

No I'm not off the mark, when someone indicates to get into the left lane from the right lane with lots of notice to eventually turn left into another street, why block their path? Am I supposed to block them because the impatient dickhead behind me wants to sit stationary at the next set of lights for a few seconds longer - No Way. It is not always possible to be in the "right" lane. I agree people should try and plan their journeys so as not to have to inflict last minute lane changes on other drivers. The other thing I've noticed and it's always the bastards who drive up your arse they get very hot under the collar if you allow someone to merge front left hand feeder lanes into bumper to bumper traffic, one extra car in front makes no real difference to the time it takes to get to the final destination.

[Choccies]

No I'm not off the mark, when someone indicates to get into the left lane from the right lane with lots of notice to eventually turn left into another street, why block their path? Am I supposed to block them because the impatient dickhead behind me wants to sit stationary at the next set of lights for a few seconds longer - No Way. It is not always possible to be in the "right" lane. I agree people should try and plan their journeys so as not to have to inflict last minute lane changes on other drivers. The other thing I've noticed and it's always the bastards who drive up your arse they get very hot under the collar if you allow someone to merge front left hand feeder lanes into bumper to bumper traffic, one extra car in front makes no real difference to the time it takes to get to the final destination.

You're right !!! "With lots of notice" they can get in whatever lane they chose but as NG said, don't come flying along the left hand feeder lanes and stick on the indicator expecting the world to move over for you. Who is blocking anyones path ?????
Maybe you should stick to driving between 10 and 3 mate...

[MatteeG]

No point spending $10 or so on a Royal Show ride, when you can just drive the Southern Expressway every day and get a bigger fright from start to finish than you could ever get on any ride.

Popular ones include:

- Being overtaken on your right hand side, when you are already in the right hand line (that's right, people in the emergency lane) going well over 130km/h

- Noarlunga people, who drive the road each day presumably, deciding its more effective to change from the left hand lane across people to get into the Noarlunga exit in the afternoon or night.

- Truck drivers alternately sitting in right hand lanes at 80 k's, talking on their mobiles; revving hard behind you to push to you beyond 110k's in the right land when trying to overtake, to the point you can't see their numberplate, they are that close; or switching lanes without indicating, with dual trays.

- Little flashy cars, adorned with "Bad Girl" stickers, dashboards festooned with herds of stuffed animals, crystals hanging from the mirror to obligingly blind other drivers, weaving in and out of traffic with music that would wake Elizabeth residents booming from their car.

The lack of indicating leads me to think its time for the Government to make it a $750 fine and loss of 5 demerit points for failing to indicate. Yes, seems very draconian, but its one thing that is sheer, utter laziness and absolutely no reason for not doing it at all, and is one of the single biggest causes of accidents and rear end collisions, with people weaving in and out and point blank refusing to indicate out of utter arrogance. Bring in a huge penalty and it will bring more courtesy back quick smart. The number of times I've had very near misses by idiots swerving into my lane, when I am travelling at normal speed, with no indication at all, and nearly causing a major accident, is staggering.

Brilliant. And so true. Great post CK

[tipper]

No I'm not off the mark, when someone indicates to get into the left lane from the right lane with lots of notice to eventually turn left into another street, why block their path? Am I supposed to block them because the impatient dickhead behind me wants to sit stationary at the next set of lights for a few seconds longer - No Way. It is not always possible to be in the "right" lane. I agree people should try and plan their journeys so as not to have to inflict last minute lane changes on other drivers. The other thing I've noticed and it's always the bastards who drive up your arse they get very hot under the collar if you allow someone to merge front left hand feeder lanes into bumper to bumper traffic, one extra car in front makes no real difference to the time it takes to get to the final destination.

You're right !!! "With lots of notice" they can get in whatever lane they chose but as NG said, don't come flying along the left hand feeder lanes and stick on the indicator expecting the world to move over for you. Who is blocking anyones path ?????
Maybe you should stick to driving between 10 and 3 mate...

I have had 2 examples of that in the last 2 days. one the idiot came flying down the left hand side of hampstead rd with all the traffic turning left to go up portrush rd, then cut in to go straight ahead. the second one was on walkerville tce, in the parking\bike lanes, and cut in front of me without looking. the guy did turn left when he got to stephens tce, which i was waiting to do as well, but still pushed in front of everyone. selfish prick!!

I have no issue with "letting people in" when in general traffic, but when they are just doing it to gain a couple of "grid" positions they are wankers

[Choccies]

No I'm not off the mark, when someone indicates to get into the left lane from the right lane with lots of notice to eventually turn left into another street, why block their path? Am I supposed to block them because the impatient dickhead behind me wants to sit stationary at the next set of lights for a few seconds longer - No Way. It is not always possible to be in the "right" lane. I agree people should try and plan their journeys so as not to have to inflict last minute lane changes on other drivers. The other thing I've noticed and it's always the bastards who drive up your arse they get very hot under the collar if you allow someone to merge front left hand feeder lanes into bumper to bumper traffic, one extra car in front makes no real difference to the time it takes to get to the final destination.

You're right !!! "With lots of notice" they can get in whatever lane they chose but as NG said, don't come flying along the left hand feeder lanes and stick on the indicator expecting the world to move over for you. Who is blocking anyones path ?????
Maybe you should stick to driving between 10 and 3 mate...

I have had 2 examples of that in the last 2 days. one the idiot came flying down the left hand side of hampstead rd with all the traffic turning left to go up portrush rd, then cut in to go straight ahead. the second one was on walkerville tce, in the parking\bike lanes, and cut in front of me without looking. the guy did turn left when he got to stephens tce, which i was waiting to do as well, but still pushed in front of everyone. selfish prick!!

I have no issue with "letting people in" when in general traffic, but when they are just doing it to gain a couple of "grid" positions they are wankers

[mick]

No I'm not off the mark, when someone indicates to get into the left lane from the right lane with lots of notice to eventually turn left into another street, why block their path? Am I supposed to block them because the impatient dickhead behind me wants to sit stationary at the next set of lights for a few seconds longer - No Way. It is not always possible to be in the "right" lane. I agree people should try and plan their journeys so as not to have to inflict last minute lane changes on other drivers. The other thing I've noticed and it's always the bastards who drive up your arse they get very hot under the collar if you allow someone to merge front left hand feeder lanes into bumper to bumper traffic, one extra car in front makes no real difference to the time it takes to get to the final destination.

You're right !!! "With lots of notice" they can get in whatever lane they chose but as NG said, don't come flying along the left hand feeder lanes and stick on the indicator expecting the world to move over for you. Who is blocking anyones path ?????
Maybe you should stick to driving between 10 and 3 mate...

I have had 2 examples of that in the last 2 days. one the idiot came flying down the left hand side of hampstead rd with all the traffic turning left to go up portrush rd, then cut in to go straight ahead. the second one was on walkerville tce, in the parking\bike lanes, and cut in front of me without looking. the guy did turn left when he got to stephens tce, which i was waiting to do as well, but still pushed in front of everyone. selfish prick!!

I have no issue with "letting people in" when in general traffic, but when they are just doing it to gain a couple of "grid" positions they are wankers

Exactly what I was getting at

[Dr. Pink]

No point spending $10 or so on a Royal Show ride, when you can just drive the Southern Expressway every day and get a bigger fright from start to finish than you could ever get on any ride.

Popular ones include:

- Being overtaken on your right hand side, when you are already in the right hand line (that's right, people in the emergency lane) going well over 130km/h

- Noarlunga people, who drive the road each day presumably, deciding its more effective to change from the left hand lane across people to get into the Noarlunga exit in the afternoon or night.

- Truck drivers alternately sitting in right hand lanes at 80 k's, talking on their mobiles; revving hard behind you to push to you beyond 110k's in the right land when trying to overtake, to the point you can't see their numberplate, they are that close; or switching lanes without indicating, with dual trays.

- Little flashy cars, adorned with "Bad Girl" stickers, dashboards festooned with herds of stuffed animals, crystals hanging from the mirror to obligingly blind other drivers, weaving in and out of traffic with music that would wake Elizabeth residents booming from their car.

The lack of indicating leads me to think its time for the Government to make it a $750 fine and loss of 5 demerit points for failing to indicate. Yes, seems very draconian, but its one thing that is sheer, utter laziness and absolutely no reason for not doing it at all, and is one of the single biggest causes of accidents and rear end collisions, with people weaving in and out and point blank refusing to indicate out of utter arrogance. Bring in a huge penalty and it will bring more courtesy back quick smart. The number of times I've had very near misses by idiots swerving into my lane, when I am travelling at normal speed, with no indication at all, and nearly causing a major accident, is staggering.

I drive this everyday and couldn't agree more. Terrible attitude along that road.

[dedja]

Those that think it's quicker to drive along the OBahn track than use the roads!

The best one was a Mum (not our A Mum!) who was following her kid who was in a bus on school excursion a few years back. The bus went into Paradise exchange and then onto the OBahn track to head into the city ... no problem there, except the Mum panicked and realised that she's be separated from the bus.

Her quick thinking solution was to follow the bus ... on the track.

Anyway, due to her amazing driving skills she managed to travel a few hundred metres zigzaging on the track which is obviously designed for a larger wheelbase before the engineering aspect defeated her brave efforts.