Ask Ponch

[Cobra]

even driving in thongs in Victoria is illegal ...

"the required footwear must be secured to the foot"

the reason being to allow for the emergency stopping proceedure .... :o

[curious]

Plonky just inquiring which part of paradise your in. Your a glutton for punshiment be bombarded with obscure questions. God bless there keen minds. I have a question for ya. It not has been tested in our courts yet. Whistle blow off valves more common on WRX's?? In queensland they are liable for "create undue noise" TIN. Dont get me wrong Im more of an educator not a punisher when on the road (attitude test aside of course). What is the southern states view if any. It is creating a bit of a stir at the moment. I keep my blow off valve at home, she een cooks me dinner. Ahhhh hot iron in the back....not good :cussing:

[dankman]

As far as I'm aware, if your in an accident and the Insurance company finds you didnt have any shoes on, your screwed. ie. no insurance payout.

This was explained to me by our insurance mob and the explination was, if you have an accident and jump out of the car, what guarantee do you (or them) have you wont hurt yourself further if you walk on shattered glass, sharp rocks etc?

May be BS but that's what was said to me.

[Guest P'cisT]

But with common sense, it would be wise to wear a set of shoes so you can slide your shoes on the accelerator/brake/clucth instead of having the grip effect, leading to a smoother, safer ride.

Why would anyone want to go bare-footed? Bogan-style?

[Guest wrxboy]

Having discussed the barefoot issue with the wife, she states that she will often remove her high heels as they make operating the pedals very difficult. In fact, she doesn't know any female that will wear high heels whilst driving due to the issue of safety.

[plonky]

Plonky just inquiring which part of paradise your in. Your a glutton for punshiment be bombarded with obscure questions. God bless there keen minds. I have a question for ya. It not has been tested in our courts yet. Whistle blow off valves more common on WRX's?? In queensland they are liable for "create undue noise" TIN. Dont get me wrong Im more of an educator not a punisher when on the road (attitude test aside of course). What is the southern states view if any. It is creating a bit of a stir at the moment. I keep my blow off valve at home, she een cooks me dinner. Ahhhh hot iron in the back....not good :cussing:

I'm in NSW

The blow off valve inquiry comes under the Protection of the Environment (Motor Vehicle Accessories) Act.

The Noise control equipment (air intake exhaust etc) must not be chaned and if it is it must make no more noise than befoe it was changed.

Turbocharged cars have a blow off valve to vent excess boost back into the inlet manifold (exhaust in some) The 'fully sik' BOV's that vent to the atmosphere that make the whislte or whooshing sound are illegal due to the fact they make noise by venting to the atmosphere.

It is one of my favourite tickets and I give it out often. Of course attitude does come into it, but generally most people get the ticket.

It's the same with rampod filters, they make more noise so they get a TIN.

I do know that I may be a glutton for punishment and I gave advice about turning from aterminating street onto a dual lane road.

I thoroughly researched the question, gave the relevant sections but STILL I was contradicted by people who believe they know better.

I wouldn;t give traffic advice if I didn;t do the proper research and have extensive experience in intepreting legislation.

[cdm]

What is the procedure (if any) for reporting a police officer for setting a bad example to the comunity in regards to a driving offence?

Cheers.

[plonky]

What is the procedure (if any) for reporting a police officer for setting a bad example to the comunity in regards to a driving offence?

Cheers.

What is a bad example?

Rule 305 of the ARR exempts the Police from the road rules.

If a bad example is driving contrary to a Stop Sign, Traffic light, speeding, overtaking on unbroken seperation lines etc these are all things which may have been justified by the officer to stop an offender in an a vehicle.

I would suggest that if you had concerns about an incident, attend the Police Station where it occurred and ask to speak with the Station Sergeant or Inspector. This person may be able to enlighten you as what action a Police officer had to take in regards to breaking a traffic rule.

Police don;t even need to have their sirens on or warning lights on or both if they deem it to be unnecessary. This would be the case if somoebodies speed is being checked from behind, or Police are following a suspect vehicle and a pursuit has not been inititated etc.

Each individual incident is completely different and as long as Police observe the legislation and their relevant Safe Driver Policy the they are exempt.

You must remember though, in the majority of cases (particularly in NSW) HWP Police are extremely well trained and every other Police officer with a Silver or Gold Classification has completed a Police Defensive driving course.

[cdm]

Thanks. The example was an unmarked XRT booting off the lights to about 120 in an 80 zone. No cars for about a km in front. Also the rear right light (blue?) inside the cabin was covered by a rear window sunshade. About 3km (he must have caught a light or some traffic - because I caught up to him) up the road I saw him driving slowly through one of those fixed speed/red light cameras at about 70m/h. Not to worry, I'm sure he had a good reason. I agree about the training too. I certainly wouldn't expect any less then the best training possible, especially when potentially so many necks are on the line.

Cheers.

[whatever]

Just a question,

When I am driving along and someone opens their car door parked on the side of the road.

Do I try to avoid it by going into the other line and risk having a head on. Or I should stay in my line and hit the poor guy?

This happens to me almost daily on the way home.