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Advanced Driver Training
Do yourself and your kids a favour and don’t buy them a computer game. Buy a
post basic driving course: Driving skills, skid control, safety awareness etc.
It has saved my life twice now.
Alex from Maffra in VIC
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Law enforcement v Revenue Raising
There has recently been a number of issues raised regarding speed cameras and
that the Department of Justice are just using them as a revenue raising tool.
Suggestions have been made that drivers should be given more warning through the
use of devices that detect speed and then advice drivers if they are over the
limit. Many local council are using the speed detection trailers on the local
roads to get drivers to abide by the speed limits.
It has been found that generally speeds reduce in the presence of the trailer
but further down the road or once it has been relocated, speed profile go back.
Several highways also have the "speedometer checking facilities" which also can
act as a reminder to be conscious of your speed. Speed cameras pick up people
that are disobeying the road regulations. The road regulations have been
designed to ensure that our roads are safer and those who disobey them put
everyone (not just themselves) in danger.
If no body disobeyed the posted speed limits then the Department of Justice
would not receive any revenue. Its simple don't speed and they won't get money
from speeding fines!
Carolyn from Glen Waverley in VIC
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Taking the gas out of braking
Here's one that will take the gas out of braking, so to speak! When you see the
traffic lights go red, take your foot off the gas. There's no need to keep
accelerating towards a red traffic light, is there?
It'll also do the brakes some good, as you'll be letting the inherent friction
of the tyres against the road slow you down, until it is necessary to put on
the brakes. I've seen cars hurry towards a red light. It doesn't make sense.
Edward from Malvern in VIC
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Forget about the rate hikes.
Media outlets continually bombard us with fear-laden stories portraying the pain
that yet another 0.25% interest rate hike will cause for Australian households
and how it will cost the average home owner an extra $40 a month.
However, I do not see this as a real problem in the long term when compared to
the 20% price fluctuation I noticed between my last two petrol fill ups.
Imagine the furore and the carry on that would erupt if banks began changing
their interest rates like oil companies changed petrol prices - people would be
screaming bloody murder at the very least. Yet oil companies continue to act
with total impunity and arrogance.
This latest round of price fluctuations has left an unsavoury taste in my mouth,
and I will be seriously investigating alternatives such as LPG, diesel, or
hybrid power at my next car purchase. I am tired of being held to ransom by oil
companies with record profits, and greedy governments with their outrageous
taxes, squeezing even more out of the consumer at every fill up.
It is time for change, and I for one plan to make that change.
Shane from Taringa in QLD
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Lights when raining and foggy
When the weather is bad raining or fog, turn your headlights on so other people
can see you.
I have noticed numerous people, including police and traffic safety cars,
driving in wet weather or fog without headlights. Maybe this might lower the
traffic accidents on the roads today.
Melissa from Gowanbrae in NSW
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Better Technology Needed
With soaring fuel prices we need a change in the way that we are suppled with
fuels to our cars. We need to make some sort of a converter for people's
garages that converts various items into usable fuels for our cars.
We could have mini crops growing in our yards, or by throwing in old
food-scraps; we would be able to extract some glorious hydrocarbons that power
our cars now. With the aid of science, it can be done.
Name Withheld
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Drink Driving
I am sick of hearing about drunk drivers having their convictions overturned or
watered down. A recent case here on the Gold Coast saw a driver who was 3 times
the limit get off on a technicality. The magistrate admitted he was drunk but
because of some minor procedural anomaly, the driver walked free.
I have also heard of numerous cases where people are convicted of drink driving
and then end up applying to have their licence back because they need to drive
for work or family purposes.
This is ridiculous. If you drink and drive you should be banned from driving for
a period of time. There is no excuse (except maybe for a life threatening
emergency).
The Federal and State Governments have spent millions to get this message across
over the last 20 years. We all know the rules.
Tim from Monterey Keys in QLD
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Supermarket Fuel Discounts
I think we need to increase the awareness of how the 'Save 4 cents a litre'
campaigns are a big con. To most people the saving oif 4 cents a litre will
amount to somewhere between $1.60 and $2.00 per week. Prudent shopping even at
the supermarkets that offer these 'discounts' will surely save people far more
than these sums.
Today Tonight ran an article a few months ago about how easy it was to save
amounts of $20-$30 per week consistently by shopping at many of the
supermarkets that do not offer these 'discounts'. Amounts of $50 were also
achieved. I think we would be doing our members favours by continually
highlighting these benefits rather than allowing them to continue to fool
themselves thinking that they are getting any real benefit by using these
discount vouchers
Bernie from Herne Hill in VIC
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Funny Petrol Tank!!
I have a really old Suzuki Ute, which was my uncle's first car. The petrol tank
dripped and leaked every minute of the day and no amount of gap sealer or
soldering wire could stop it. Eventually, it was time for a new fuel tank.
So, instead of getting a new one from the mechanic, he made his own and welded
it to the tray of the Ute for easier filling!! It goes right across the Ute,
(from driver side to passenger side) and about 30cm the other way.
We only have to top it up every month or so, which saves us a lot in fuel costs.
In the summer months, it's used as the anchor for the flying fox over the dam,
and in the winter, if it starts, it's used to run errands etc.
Sarah from Warwick in QLD
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Fuel Prices
I have just returned from a month's holiday, involving driving around, in
Adelaide, where the fuel prices varied from 101.9 and 114.9 depending on the
day of the week and the suburb. I was checking on the fuel prices at home in
Townsville while away, and they were rising to sometimes above that of the
price I was paying in Adelaide.
Generally I paid about 103 if I bought later in the week. In Queensland we are
supposed to have a Govt. subsidy to keep the prices down but it's not working,
if we are paying almost the same as in Adelaide.
Dean from Annadale in QLD
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Diesel Price
I always wonder why diesel is dearer than ULP, but is not as highly refined.
Surely, it is cheaper to produce.
I have been on the verge of purchasing a diesel vehicle, as I do about 35,000 km
per annum, but the increased service intervals and increased price per litre
now just about outweighs the advantages of the better economy, and longer
engine life, that a diesel has traditionally provided.
We are missing out on a number of great cars because of the quality and price of
our diesel.
Nick from Golden Grove in SA
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Don't blame cars
Don't you get sick of the TAC targeting younger drivers and just motor vehicle
drivers in general? Has anyone passed a truck lately? No, because every truck
on the road is driving dangerously and in excess of the speed limit. Truck
drivers need to stop blaming their bosses and take some responsibility for
their own actions.
Jason from Williamstown in VIC
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Midday Watchout
As I cruise throughout sunny warm Adelaide I see some great variations in
pricing of LPG gas. From only 100 metres of distance between Petrol stations
prices can be 10c per litre different.
We live in a world of choice and I make my choice based on service and brands.
These price differences are incredible.... Adelaide watchout!
Mark from Noarlunga in SA
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Speed
I have noticed while driving in parts of Victoria especially Melbourne and
Geelong that there are digital speed signs that tells you your accurate speed
and also if your going over the limit or not. Why can't it be the same in other
parts of Australia like Queensland?
Simon from Eden’s Landing in QLD
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Cheap Fuel
Back in 1964 I was driving across the United States and collecting S&H Green
Stamps along the way. You could pick up gifts at S&H redemption centres in
most U.S. cities.
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, there was a gas price war on. Prices were changing by the
minute. I tanked up at 11 cents a gallon at an Esso station advertising S&H
Green Stamps. When I received my change and receipt I asked where my stamps
were. I was politely told where to get off.
Vince in Warriewood in NSW
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Diesel Convert
I converted to diesel a few years ago and haven't looked back since. I own a
current model Land Rover Disco Td5 and average between 700-900 km from 83
litres of diesel. Obviously, a smaller 4-cyl diesel would achieve another 300 -
400 km extra due to less weight.
So, if you haven't thought about changing to a diesel, go and have a look, take
a drive and be pleasantly surprised at the fuel economy and the long-term
savings that a current high tech diesel can offer.
Steve from Port Macquarie in NSW
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Diesel Con
The federal government said some years ago buy diesel vehicles to get more
economical mileage and get the price of injected motors down, as diesel is
cheaper to manufacture. Well they waited till we did that and steadily raised
the price holding us to ransom.
You would wonder if the government are Australian? Osama could not have done a
better job!! By the way, this in the past was the first part of the serious
inflation problems. Do they ever learn from history?
Roger from Caloundra in QLD
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What value FUEL?
I have listened to many over the years complain about the cost of fuel per
litre. Yet the same people will pay $1.25 a litre of Coke or soft drink without
a single utterance of complaint. How much does it cost to produce and market a
litre of soft drink compared to the cost of getting a litre of fuel out of the
ground and into your car?
The infrastructure required is enormous, drilling rigs/Tankers/refineries etc.
Take off the tax on fuel and the price of SD looks even more ridiculous. Fuel
by this standard is not expensive. It is cheap. Think about it!
Ken from Plympton in SA
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LPG Pricing, Gone Feral?
What's the story with LPG?
Example in question: A particular service station in Sydney is selling LPG at
38.9 and then the next day it's 54.9. That's a 41.1% overnight increase! In
petrol terms, that’s like 99.9 increasing overnight to 140.9. Then the reverse
will occur, overnight 54.9 drops to 38.9.
18 months ago LPG hardly ever moved in price. Now is common to see fluctuations
of this magnitude all around Sydney. I can't think of any other consumer
product that jumps around so dramatically in price.
Gregory from French's Forest in NSW
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Impressed
I would like to congratulate the owner/manager of Gas & Go, Homer St.
Earlwood (NSW).
Last Wednesday I decided that I had better fill up my tank before the expected
price rise over the Easter weekend, I paid 105.9... Imagine my surprise when I
drove past on Saturday morning to see that their price was now 103.9.
I was so impressed that I wasn't even upset about paying the extra 2 cents on
Wednesday.
Kathy from Alexandria in NSW
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HELP IS SO EASY WITH MOTORMOUTH
MotorMouth is a fantastic resource that I didn't know existed until recently.
Who would of thought all on the same website I can find where to buy my petrol
and plan the car hire for my impending trip to New Zealand.
Thank you MotorMouth you certainly have made my life easier and my purse fuller.
Lisa from Holland Park in QLD
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Diesel Fuel Pricing and Use
The price of diesel in Australia is usually higher than ULP by about $AUD 0.10
to 0.15 cents than most Asian, Middle Eastern and European countries.
1. The manufacturing costs of diesel is lower than ULP.
2. Modern small efficient diesel engines use significantly less fossil fuel and
are therefore less polluting than ULP.
Why are motorists who drive diesel vehicles being ripped off by the Oil
Companies and Taxes?
Phil from Isaacs in the ACT
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Wage increase vs. petrol cost
Well as most of you in South Australia know that the price increase in risen to
above $1.16 a litre. Currently one multi national fast food chain is updating
their enterprise bargaining agreement but the increase for their delivery
drivers will only be 16 cents a delivery much to their dislike.
The fuel prices has increase dramatically since last year and has well exceeded
the 16 cents without even covering a increase to the drivers pay rate as the
fuel cost has absorb this. Basically the delivery drivers are now worse off and
are making less money then they did 1 year ago. The new suggested amount is
$3.93 a delivery where as they charge their customers $6 delivery.
The company is also advertising that their pay rates are competitive. My
question is with whom? Another leading chain is currently paying their drivers
$4.00 more a delivery and the third one has the drivers on an hourly rate. By
the way their interstate branches are currently paying their drivers more now
then the suggested increase in SA and they have another increase later this
year.
Jenny from Elizabeth Downs in SA
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