12 points is not enough for everyone

[OwnaXR6T]

Just wanted to get a few opinions on wether or not there should be different grades of licences for people that do more km's.

For instance the 12 demerit point system is not enough for me for all the km's I do and when you look at how many km the average driver does I do over double that and so do many others.

My driving record isn't that pretty ive lost 3 sets of 12 points in my 11yrs of driving but have never had a crash, have never drank driven and the most serious driving offence is a over 15 under 30km/h infringement. I average around 45000km a year and feel I need 3 more points on my license. 2 of the times I have been picked up speeding was on double demerit point season and I am currently on a good behavior period due to a double pointed infringment that occured 30m befor a 80/km/h zone at 4am 4 hours after the double points had been effective.

Something needs to be done seeing that alot of people probably fall into my catergory, I often have alot on my mind when driving and find myself accidently drifting over 60km/h in 50 zones.

There has got to be a better solution other than keeping my eyes glued to the damb speedo. I am not a unsafe driver and I find the amount of km's I do I have more of a chance using up my 12 points than the average driver that does 10000-20000km per year.

I think the RTA needs to aknoledge this and give people that use their car more than others a option of paying more per year to have a different licence with 15 points.

anyone else feel this way.

[Falchoon]

  OwnaXR6T said:

anyone else feel this way.

In a word, no. Not wanting to start any arguments, just giving an opinion (as requested) I do less than half that amount of kms per year, probably closer to 1/3 (27000kms on XR6T in 18 mnths). Last traffic fine I had was about 4 years ago, and the one before that I can't remember it was that long ago. I could probably count on one hand the total of traffic fines I've had during my 20+ years of driving. I've had some quick cars such as 351 XY Falcon and turbo 6cyl Cortina (and now XR6T). Maybe I've just been lucky.

[sutty]

  Quote

I often have alot on my mind when driving and find myself accidently drifting over 60km/h in 50 zones

Do what Scotty (KTFORD) does and use your cruise control. Having a lot on your mind isn't really a good excuse IMHO. You SHOULD be concentrating on driving.

[justind]

I am sorry but I disagree as well. I do in excess of 65,000kms a year spread over my T and a motorcycle. I am by far no stranger to speed and yet I have not recieved a fine in over 5 years. Sensible driving also means you have to choose wisely when and where you speed. I am also no stranger to the odd sideways action around corners and yet I still have not been caught.

With the amount of km I do by your agrument I would need 6 more points than everyone else. I don't think that sounds fair or right to the person who also follows every road rule and only does 5,000km a year.

Look at it like an insurance policy. Make enough claims and they cancel your policy as you are a higher risk. I don't see anything wrong with the current system in fact in some instances like the good behavior period they are too generous and people take advantage and rely on it.

[TurboDewd]

umm...Owna

you are on an uphill battle, if youve lost 36pts in 11 yrs you should consider your driving behaviour. I think Ive had 6 speeding fines in 11 yrs, three 1-pointers and 3 3-pointers.

I use the cruise control a lot, its great...but you live in Sydney with traffic and weirdass roads so maybe that's something u cant use as often.

[-carty]

true...

if you think you need more demerit point, you should learn to obey the law... they are thee to keep the roads safe and to keep you alive...

happy driving

[cvanxr]

I also do alot of km's for work and stuff, around 42,000km per annum. When in towns and stuff I try to stick to the posted limits. That said I quite often exceed the posted limits out on the highways. I try to stick around 10-15km above the limit. Any faster and I know I have a good chance of being done. Last time I was booked was about 4 years ago. Last time I got a warning was about 2 months ago. Had a really good chat with the bloke. I guess it depends on what sort of day the policeman I travel past is having. I try to wave to say g'day to them if I see them in time.

The double demerit bit does suck, but when I get to see the quality of some drivers on the highways that holidays bring out I guess I can understand it. I think maybe I've been lucky so far. (touches head) I also know that if like you I get done a few times, with double demerits it doesn't take much to lose all my points. And yes I have all 12 of them.

My opinion, I think the current speed laws are draconian and govts continue to feed the masses to get away with it. Until standard driver education improves we are stuck with what we have and it will only continue to get worse. I'm sure there was a thread around here somewhere that included politicians address's to write to. Various car magazines have details on who to write to. Give it a go.

[Falchoon]

  sutty said:

  Quote

I often have alot on my mind when driving and find myself accidently drifting over 60km/h in 50 zones

Do what Scotty (KTFORD) does and use your cruise control. Having a lot on your mind isn't really a good excuse IMHO. You SHOULD be concentrating on driving.

I don't think CC works below 60km/h on BAs.

[OwnaXR6T]

This has only been my opinion within the past couple of years since the rule on the road are becoming more strict and sinse 60 zones are turning into 50 zones and when you drive further than 500km up or down the coast you see variances in speed zones that are clearly unnecersary. These factors see drivers that are not dangerous losing their licences in the name of REVENUE not SAFETY.

[OwnaXR6T]

  -carty said:

true...

if you think you need more demerit point, you should learn to obey the law... they are thee to keep the roads safe and to keep you alive...

happy driving

oh please. you can't be serious.