I WRITE in response to the letter, 'Old hands at driving booked
5 times in month' by Ms Koh Bee Kwang (ST, Sept 23).
First, I applaud the Traffic Police for outsourcing some of their
traffic-policing function, and United Premas and Cisco for a job
well done.
Ms Koh did not dispute that the five traffic offences were
committed; Rather, she was 'incredulous' at the outsourcing because
it is easier to catch offenders now.
Many experienced motorists drive the way Ms Koh did, simply because
they thought they were 'experienced'. They forget there are many
others on the road who may not be as 'experienced' as they are, or
older folks like me whose reflexes are slower, and so cannot
pre-empt other drivers' actions, read their minds or take
corrective action in time. (Taxi drivers please take note.)
Even more do not realise that most cars on local roads have about
the same performance level. Whether it is a Picanto, a Sunny, an
Altis or whatever, most can do the 0-100kmh sprint in 10 to 12
seconds. All cars can also hit above 100kmh.
So those who are under the illusion that their car is faster, and
demonstrate it by trying to outrun others, or weave in and out of
traffic, are creating trouble.
I appeal to all who have the same attitude as Ms Koh; Obey traffic
rules, they are there for a purpose. Drive leisurely, have a mental
map of your route, and study the Highway Code again. Many have
forgotten it.
Every day on the road, I experience drivers who:
Do not signal
Do not give way, but rather speed up when others signal their
intention
Drive at speeds in excess of 20kmh over the speed limit, even in
the heartland.
Muscle their way past when approaching a merging road even when
they are three car lengths behind - the list goes on.
My pet peeve: neighbours in my area who insist on parking next to
the kerb in the public carpark (thereby creating an obstruction and
a hazard) when the lots in front of their flat are occupied, rather
than park a short distance away and take a short walk.
I remember one big black car which was habitually parked in the
handicapped lot. The owner's attitude was aptly summed up by a
decal on his windscreen: 'I am always right!' I hope the
enforcement agencies get him soon.
And for those reading this and starting to point their middle
finger; Take heart. I was fined twice recently, once for beating a
red light ($200 and 12 demerit points), and once for parking at a
bus stop ($70).
Goh Choon Poh
(Straits Times 27 Sept)
