Adventure Ausrama Blog

There isn't much doubt that there is discrimination against older members of society. This is confirmed by comments from young people that it is unfair that the elderly usually fully own their own homes.  If the young had their way property would be forcibly taken from seniors. It is forgotten however that the elderly took a lifetime to buy their homes. Another issue is the overreaction to car accidents involving senior drivers. A five year inquiry is going on at present to set a test for doctors to apply to the elderly who want to continue to drive. This is despite the fact that younger drivers have far more car accidents than older people. Young drivers are more dangerous on the following factors: 1) Poor Hazard Detection; 2) Low Risk Perception; 3) Higher Risk Taking; 4) Not Wearing Seat Belts; 5) Lack of Skill; 6) Taking Alcohol and Drugs; 7) More Crashes When Carrying Passengers; and 8) Accidents After 9:00 pm. Let's wish the Monash University inquiry good luck in it...

Making entry tests for such things as taxi driver licences or new residents has really gone off course. This is not restricted to Australia. The US test for residency has been shown to have incorrect answers to key questions. New migrants to Australia complain about the relevancy of some questions. In regard to the test for a taxi licence in Queensland one in six is failing despite many being Australian born. The Queensland test is extensive with reading, writing, numeracy. speaking and listening all being evaluated. Just how this improves taxi service and safety is unclear. It should be adequate for drivers to understand what customers are saying and to be able to communicate satisfactorily in return. It seems the whole job is tested as well. Map reading, following verbal directions, determining fares, giving change and solving situational problems are all thoroughly checked. It is known that many people are stressed and nervous doing such examinations. Even normally intelli...

I don't know about other countries but here in Australia there is a silly law that says you can ride a scooter on a normal motor vehicle driving licence. I believe that this is also the case in other English speaking countries - let me know. It is true that motor cycles are different monsters than cars. A quite different drivers technique is involved. It is said that many people could not handle a motorcycle and sidecar, for example, because steering it around corners needs some natural skill that one is born with. Surely if one can ride a scooter, 60cc motorcycles should also be included. The engines are powerful enough to give a good ride to a large person over hill and dale. Years ago there was a "chink" in British law which allowed people to drive a three wheeled vehicle on a motorcycle licence. Some took offence at this and set many three wheelers alight in car parks. They were made of fibreglass and readily burned. This is much like the hostility some have towards ...