How Bad are Perth Drivers?

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Perth drivers are notoriously bad. According to whingers, whiners and self-appointed experts.

Perhaps those people just don't understand. And are unable to adapt.

Take lane-changing, for example...

West Australian drivers do not indicate before changing lanes... so the whingers will whine. We -- West Australian drivers -- simply start to change lanes... and flick on the indicator as we do it.

So what? Think it through:

For a couple of weeks I drove in Canada. The drivers there are soooo polite -- I couldn't stand it. If a pedestrian were to so much as look at a crosswalk -- the Canadian drivers would slow down, prepare to stop and let you cross. I soon learnt to keep well clear of crossings, so as to not slow down the so-polite traffic.

In Canada, I'm sure, drivers would use their indicators to indicate a wish to change lanes. They would indicate. A gap would open. The driver would move carefully into the gap in the desired lane.

That, I imagine, is what our own whingers and whiners would like to see in WA.

Here's what really happens:

A Perth driver wants to change lanes. They look, evaluate, decide that there is enough room to move... So they move! Why use the indicator?

The indicator is turned on to say, Yes, I really am changing lanes...

Perth drivers check the facts -- is it safe to change lanes? They evaluate -- can I safely change lanes? They incorporate risk evaluation -- will the gap still be there long enough for me to safely change lanes? Make the decision, take the action -- change lanes. And put out a warning, let others know what's happening, protect against sudden situational changes -- we flick the indicator on.

Perth drivers do not indicate and wait for the climate to change. We evaluate, decide and act.

As drivers, we know what we are doing. As individuals, we make our own decisions and act for ourselves. As good and safe drivers -- we let you know what we are doing.

We are not asking your permission. We do not expect you to change what you are doing just to suit us. We evaluate, decide, act. For ourselves. With a polite indication, to let you know that what you see is deliberate.

No, Perth drivers are not as "polite" as all those others who are held up as shining examples. We are just, good drivers.

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