Are 200 crashes into wire rope barriers signs of safety?
Can crashing into a barrier 200 times be considered evidence of safety (“200 wire rope crashes between two towns on Calder Freeway”, Bendigo Advertiser, January 4)? Am I missing something here? Perhaps without the barriers, people could get out of harm’s way and not crash at all. Fire-fighting and emergency vehicles could manage traffic better and respond quicker without the wire ropes barring their way.
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There continues to be considerable public outcry, including from fire fighters, yet very little listening. Instead of rolling out another 500km of wire rope barriers, invest in serious listening to the public using these roads. Take a close look at who is really benefiting here. Delay any further wire ropes until we can clearly see all the evidence and more reliable statistics.
Cathy Wheel, Castlemaine
Holding driver’s licence a privilege, not a right
With the lowest road toll since figures began it would appear that modern vehicles with all their safety features are a large contributing factor.
The next step is to educate leaner drivers properly, not like the learner I followed on the Calder Highway on Saturday heading towards Bendigo who decided that once she had passed a car, stayed in the right hand lane for nearly 15 kilometers without overtaking any other vehicles or moving back to the left lane.
Maybe it is time that learner drivers must attend a number of lessons at driving course or school before being able to be taught by a family member or friend so they do not pick up their bad habits. People need to remember that it is a privilege to hold a licence, not a right.
Robert Smallpage, Huntly
Hospital care after fall was ‘outstanding’
Several days ago I had a serious fall in my unit, and was taken by ambulance to the emergency department of our fabulous new hospital with injuries to my head, knee and thumb.
I want to commend all of the staff I encountered over the following 6-7 hours – from the paramedics, nursing and medical staff, to radiologist and porter – their professionalism and care was quite outstanding, as is their follow up program the short term treatment team. Top class staff in a top notch facility. Thank you all.
Mark Gibson, Bendigo
Our ‘ridiculous’ voting methods made manifest
We have a problem, now where have I heard that before.
The actions of Fraser Anning has highlighted once again the ridiculous voting methods of our democracy.
Previously we had a senator from Queensland elected to the senate with just 17 votes. Anning, again from Queensland, was elected in a landslide with 19 votes.
Not only “should” this be embarrassing to the person concerned, every Australian should be embarrassed, that anybody could be elected to our parliament voting on very important legislation, simply relying on numbers similar to the local footy club to be elected.
The most embarrassing aspect to this situation, is the fact that you cannot blame the person concerned, but the system that is in place.
Ken Price, Eaglehawk
Have your say: Letters must carry the name, full address and telephone number of the author. The writer’s name and suburb/town will be published. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or at bendigoadvertiser.com.au
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