Traffic Question!

[waddo]

Mods, please don't shift this away to another heading too quickly thank you.

I have driven here continuously for the past 12 years or so and in that time the traffic has grown beyond all belief, old cars are starting to vanish and new cars are getting bigger, faster and more able to do the things that "Drivers" used to do automatically. Overall speed on the same roads as 12 years ago has increased dramatically, this despite the police or cameras - WHY?

I am aware that the Government has asked for assistance and thoughts on why there are so many accidents and what can be done to reduce them.

My thought is this: Everywhere (almost) I drive I will come across a speed restriction sign at the side of the road. This sign is telling me the maximum speed I am allowed to travel at until told otherwise! I notice that drivers of less advanced age than myself tend to ignore such signs or travel around 10/15 KPH above them. Most drivers (local inhabitants) know where the cameras are and where the police wait in the shade to catch the unwary and drive accordingly.

Given the above I think the basic speeding problem - for all drivers - is simple - You know what the maximum limit is but it is VERY RARE indeed that you are informed about where that limit ceases and a new limit or national limit comes into play!

What happened to all the derestriction signs? Why are they not seen often? A local driver told me they are not required because you just watch the other side of the road until you see a speed restriction sign heading in the opposite direction, then you know you can go faster! To me it's simple and basic - get derestriction signs put in place and at least then drivers will know what the speed limit is wherever they are.

Comments welcome.

[Chriswright03]

I don't think it help Waddo that the limits constantly change for junctions or roundabouts and of course speed cameras. As you come out of town towards Karkum the limit is 50 but there is no indication of when it changes to 65 other than a clue is when there is advanced warning of the speed camera by Rabinez.

Then of course over the mountain road (you know that very dangerous one) it has been reduced now to 70kph from 80 but then it is 60 for motorcycles. If you look on line it is difficult nay impossible to find out what the speed limits are for different class of vehicles. I have heard it mentioned that motorcycles are 10kph less than cars on most rods but cannot find anything in writing to confirm that. So yes there is little signage anywhere to inform the motorist other than on the approach to speed cameras where there is plenty to avoid confusion so at least that is a good thing.

I don't actually associate speed as the main cause of problems on the road here though and would say that a general inability to obey any rules or laws combined with speed in the wrong place needs to be addressed rather than fining a motorist for having one mudflap missing from their car.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

On such a small island the speed limits are more than sufficient and for the standard of driving about right. The laws out here are adequate and not oppressive but just need to be enforced fairly and without favour.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

I don't actually associate speed as the main cause of problems on the road here though and would say that a general inability to obey any rules or laws combined with speed in the wrong place needs to be addressed rather than fining a motorist for having one mudflap missing from their car.

No lack of skill and road awareness is the main problem but speed will exasperate any deficiencies.
A poor driver in a car that is too powerful for his ability that might be poorly maintained due to the slackness of the MOT enforcement out here can only be a recipe for disaster. When you see BMWs whose brakes are probably not in the best of condition tailgating cars who might not have working brake lights you do just tense up waiting for the inevitable crash

[terry2366]

My opinion for what it's worth is the locals just ignore stop signs yellow lines one way streets and speed. To see this just drive up to the alpet and grapevine junction from the colony turn right and park by the school there is a stop sign and a major road sign the locals tear across without stopping and if you are coming down on the major road from the old tax office you get the finger,shouted at and one guy tried to hit me.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

My opinion for what it's worth is the locals just ignore stop signs yellow lines one way streets and speed. To see this just drive up to the alpet and grapevine junction from the colony turn right and park by the school there is a stop sign and a major road sign the locals tear across without stopping and if you are coming down on the major road from the old tax office you get the finger,shouted at and one guy tried to hit me.

I don't count myself as a good driver although since I've been out here I am beginning to re-evaluate that opinion. In my experience bad drivers put all the onus onto other drivers. EG In the UK in snow, they will make no adjustments for road/weather conditions and pull out of a turning and expect that you will instantly see them, instantly react and hopefully your brakes will work well enough to stop 4 inches short of hitting them.

[MnM]

That last point from EnjoyingTheSun was quite apt. I've been in the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK for many years and have always thought since joining, that the basic driving test should be abolished and replaced by the advanced test, more commonly promoted these days as a, "Skill for Life", because it is. Yes it would be an ideal world, but it would be a much safer one as every motorist would be trained to the same standard. Anyone can be taught how to drive a car but the basic driving test is exactly that - basic. Of course there will always be the few that own the road and absolutely have to be in front of the car in front, no matter what.

The law can also help make the roads safer in many ways which it doesn't currently. One for example, in the UK, using a mobile phone while driving can incur "up to" (and those are the keywords), £1,000 fine, as well as 3 or 6 points on your license. More often than not though just a £200 fine is dished out, but make it a fixed £1,000 fine and 12 points on your license and it'll be a game changer for all but the most stupid. They could also ban smoking behind the wheel which in my opinion is much more dangerous than using a mobile.

Insurance companies could also play their part. We all know, or should know, to maintain a 2 second gap on dry roads between us and the vehicle in front, regardless of speed, 4 seconds on wet roads and 8 seconds on icy roads. In the event of a collision, for not doing so, we also know that in most cases, if you rear end the vehicle in front you are automatically liable for driving too close. One example of how insurance companies could help make our roads safer and ergo reduce premiums, would be where a driver rear ends the vehicle in front, is to strip the driver of their NCD, even if it is protected. Having to pay an extortionate rate at renewal i feel would put off even the most aggressive of drivers from tailgating.

[Art]

It would help if you could actually see the pedestrian crossings -most crossing are obliterated and are therefore dangerous.

[waddo]

Just so you know I am not simply winging but have real concern for younger, less mature drivers here, I also passed my two hour test with the IAM in 1975 so I have some experience behind me. My original post tried to make a point of traffic speed limit signs but also gave voice to modern vehicles! Most modern vehicles take responsibility for basic driving skills away from the driver in an attempt to make driving easier, sadly this makes new drivers even more dangerous. What vehicle is the test taken in? I doubt it would be a new Range Rover, Mercedes or BMW which could easily be the very next Bayram car the newly qualified driver gets into! I drive a 1993 4X4 without all the exciting refinements of a new vehicle, I drive my wife’s Rav 4 with a lot of modern refinements and even for myself - I consider myself to be a good and experienced driver - I have to be more aware of the vehicles capabilities when changing, new drivers do not stand a chance! They need help and advice but where can they get it?

[snd1966]

the one thing I really miss is white lines on junctions joining a main road. the junction at happy valley catalkoy cars seem to stop on the road but hey when I drove up to it I had no idea where the actual road started. the same when people come out of lemar carpark in karakum

[wanderer]

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[terry2366]

The only comment I could add would be "Jesus h Christ"

[jofra]

What happened to all the derestriction signs? Why are they not seen often? A local driver told me they are not required because you just watch the other side of the road until you see a speed restriction sign heading in the opposite direction, then you know you can go faster! To me it's simple and basic - get derestriction signs put in place and at least then drivers will know what the speed limit is wherever they are.

Comments welcome.

Totally agree - a prime example (for me) is the "Lapta strip" - in each direction, a warning sign (eastbound, now almost hidden by plant growth), but no "end of" sign....
.... but then, they're "for information only" - no need to actually comply/obey....?
As to (UK) general driving and tests - when I learned to drive xx years ago,, the normal procedure was that (whether you used a driving school or not) you spent many hours/days practicing with a family member/friend before you went for the test....
In those days (IFAIK) driving schools did not run/promote the "Intensive/5 or 7 day" courses (excuse pun - crash courses) prior to application for the test - could this be why driving standards (at least in the UK) have declined? Or is it just general selfishness in all aspects.....

[ttoli]

and every news report claims that they lost control , infers to me that they were in control at some point !, Local driving standards are lower than UK expats are used to BUT at which point do we say accept that , that is the way here or move back ? , I love the TRNC , warts and all .

[Mimi2]

Drive defensively
Expect the unexpected
Here you have to drive for the other driver also
The unexpected will happen!!!