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Australian’s stick to the speed limits, Kiwi’s don’t! It’s not just me that’s noticed - we’ve even had radio phone-ins on it. I’ve no idea why - there must be some major difference in the national psyche. It simply strikes me as really odd. Australia’s vast distances, straight, wide roads, unchanging scenery, and propensity for falling asleep at the wheel - you might think they’d put their foot on the gas to shorten journey times and keep up interest levels (not least looking out for cops!) The opposite argument would apply in NZ - journeys are generally shorter, roads narrow and windy, and scenery spectacular - you’re unlikely get bored and nod-off driving here! Factor in additional hazards such as single track bridges and step drop-offs and there’s a definite need to keep speed down. It’s like common sense has been turned up-side-down!
Another surprise is that the legal driving age in New Zealand is just 14 years old. A more disturbing sight however, which we saw on several occasions, were small groups of older teenagers parked up by the side of the road and openly drinking! Now I’ve always thought it odd that police in the UK can charge you with drink driving when you’re not even in the vehicle - I wonder if the law makers had this in mind?
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Steve
non-member comment
Phooey
>>Australian’s stick to the speed limits Now that's funny. The #1 bane of my driving life is how everyone wants to go faster than me! I clearly read the speed signs wrong, I always thought they were referring to the maximum limit, however I'm sure they must really mean the minimum speed you must drive at... This makes your comments about the NZ drivers even more horrific. >>put their foot on the gas We call it petrol :P Steve