Thread: NSW police looking for witnesseses to this

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Spot on John. It's quite similar in this country, as you, I and most interstate truck drivers will know each state and city even have their own peculiarities. Different styles, different demographics, different enforcement and different rules flouted, ignored or unknown.

Indeed. However, weren't we supposed to have a National Regulator? Some joke. I still believe that road rules should, no, must be national. People's lives depend on this basic stuff. For EVERYONE, not just trucks.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Granted, the gulf isn't as wide within this country as it is between Australia and India or SE Asia, but one has to familiarise one's self when driving in a different area.

Ian, most people are incapable of familiarising themselves with the next suburb. I don't blame them for this. It is a fact of life that some people can do things that others can't. For example, I suck at deciphering PC boards, or doing an inventory, or performing surgery.

I could go on about this, but best not. Suffice to say, our licencing system in this country is a disgrace, and I will happily debate that with anyone who wants to, possibly in another thread.

The bus driver was interviewed on TV - yes he is a "new Australian" from the middle east (not that it matters). He was extremely apologetic and seemed like a genuine guy. While he did not say the kids in the bus had been playing up, he did indicate that the kids had been dancing in the isle. So maybe that was the reason he pulled over in the first place - the kids were playing up - and maybe after settling them and wanting to pull back out into the traffic the kids stated playing up again and he was distracted.

Maybe we need to let the the police sort out what is relevant and what is not and if his immigrant background is at all relevant.

Originally Posted by johntins

I have been a "professional" driver for more years than I care to count, so please don't think I'm defending this numbskull, but I have to ask: immigrant from where?

Most people who visit SE Asia from here are absolutely horrified when they see how the roads work there. Me? I can be dispassionate. I see a system that actually works. If driving is what you DO, then you will work it out. It will be scary, but it is doable. In Thailand, or Vietnam ( more, probably, but I can't speak for them ), the traffic would have all accommodated that bus. It's the way it happens. The truck would have moved to his right a little, and so would all the others. In many ways it is superior to the I'm right and you're wrong, this is MY lane approach we have here. We are far too advanced on our path to ever accept this, so let's not try.

So, who is at fault here. The obvious answer is ; the bus driver. Ok, why? A: well, he pulled out in front of the truck. ( Make no mistake here, I've been there, and had he pulled out in front of MY B Double I would be having harsh words.) But that is blame, not fault. The fault may lie with who it was who gave him his Licence, or his DA. Or both. The cultural divide between SE Asia, Asia, China and here is immense.

So, I asked who's at fault. I'll tell you. It's the idiot bureaucrat who rubber stamped his Licence, same as they rubber stamp nearly everyone's licence. It's the system that tells us that somebody must be to blame. It's the system that teaches, and tests, kids through computer sims. It's the system that teaches NO one to DRIVE. If that is how we teach our kids, why carry on when someone from somewhere else ****s up? Because he's different, that's why. Believe me, I have seen FAR worse than this from people born here.

Imagine if you went to Bangkok and had to drive. Could you? I reckon I could, but that's not because I think I'm special, it's because I observe, something I've learned. I know that none of my family could, as they grew up within 'the rules'.

I stated at the outset that I'm not sticking up for this numbskull, but maybe I should be, as he's a product of our hopeless system. One way or the other. Here, everyone thinks the 'system' will protect them. The arrogance this breeds is staggering.

I'm quite sure that this particular bus driver will be dealt with. But I'm equally sure the 'problem' won't be.

The way it is in a nut shell. Excellent post. Nothing to add.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Good words. I drove in Bangkok for three years, so I know what you mean. Road rage is pointless there, because you'd be continually angry.
If there's space for four lanes, then why only have three? Slow down, ooze through the gaps, let others in and out, turn up the air conditioning, play music, fiddle with your phone, stare at the shops, flow with the go - it's all good.

Istanbul is similar. Door handle to door handle, and the cops have their lights flashing constantly whilst waiting their turn like everyone else. Athens is similar but totally wild and great fun for adrenaline junkies.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Spot on John. It's quite similar in this country, as you, I and most interstate truck drivers will know each state and city even have their own peculiarities. Different styles, different demographics, different enforcement and different rules flouted, ignored or unknown.
Granted, the gulf isn't as wide within this country as it is between Australia and India or SE Asia, but one has to familiarise one's self when driving in a different area.

Toowoomba springs to mind.

Originally Posted by garrycol

The bus driver was interviewed on TV - yes he is a "new Australian" from the middle east (not that it matters). He was extremely apologetic and seemed like a genuine guy. While he did not say the kids in the bus had been playing up, he did indicate that the kids had been dancing in the isle. So maybe that was the reason he pulled over in the first place - the kids were playing up - and maybe after settling them and wanting to pull back out into the traffic the kids stated playing up again and he was distracted.

Maybe we need to let the the police sort out what is relevant and what is not and if his immigrant background is at all relevant.

That is the job of the police; sorting out the ***t from the dross, and informing the relatives, and I, for one, don't envy them that. That's the trouble with uniforms. I've worn them, and so have/do my family. Not this one, particularly' but nevertheless. I believe you have taken my comments out of context, perhaps deliberately, perhaps not.


"he did indicate that the kids had been dancing in the isle."

Hard to speak for NSW. In Vic, most school bus contracts require seat belts. As new contracts come on line, or older ones are renewed, seat belts will be required.
Now,I say that, as I know it is fact. NSW may be moving differently. So, the seat belt thing may have no relevance, and the apparent age of the bus probably agrees with that.
However, all of that is irrelevant. Part of my driving career was driving school bus routes. It's actually a difficult gig, and requires a level of control and discipline they don't teach you. You've got a DA, of course you can drive kids... Well, I dare you. Unless you have the patience of Job, you have spent at least ten years as a teacher, or you are mainlining valium, it is not easy. The best way to deal with unruly kids, and this only works on the afternoon 'going home' run is to stop. Pick up the paper or a book, and wait. They'll work it out eventually.
I don't disagree, garrycol, but I'll challenge you to control a bus load of schoolkids. Once you've done that, get all 57 ( Vic, max number) to put on their seat belts, which, I might add, would be YOUR responsibility if they are under 16 yrs old (Vic), then I'll listen to you and your critique.
This stuff is easy if all you do is read the paper.

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

The way it is in a nut shell. Excellent post. Nothing to add.

Well, yes it was. I can't find the 'blush" emoji. Glad you got it though.

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

Toowoomba springs to mind.

Really?? Popping through there on a Friday or Sunday evening, I'd have to disagree.... NOT. I prefer the trip into Brisvegas that way nowadays, as the run down the hill is great if you're not to heavy, It saves around 20 minutes these days, as the Cunningham still sucks. However!!! The fine folk of Toowoomba now seem to think they live ion a CITY. At least the Warwick residents haven't got that far...

Originally Posted by johntins

Well, yes it was. I can't find the 'blush" emoji. Glad you got it though.



Really?? Popping through there on a Friday or Sunday evening, I'd have to disagree.... NOT. I prefer the trip into Brisvegas that way nowadays, as the run down the hill is great if you're not to heavy, It saves around 20 minutes these days, as the Cunningham still sucks. However!!! The fine folk of Toowoomba now seem to think they live ion a CITY. At least the Warwick residents haven't got that far...

Ah,, so you know them. You'll be ok then.
They have two Airports and a Cathedral I think. That makes them a City all Right.

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

Ah,, so you know them. You'll be ok then.
They have two Airports and a Cathedral I think. That makes them a City all Right.

Don't knock the Airport, Billy. The Feds could have done worse than to get that mob to develop Badgery's. As for the rest, come and visit Bendigo. Now, there's a Cathedral.

Originally Posted by johntins

Don't knock the Airport, Billy. The Feds could have done worse than to get that mob to develop Badgery's. As for the rest, come and visit Bendigo. Now, there's a Cathedral.

I would't knock the Airport. It's a fine Airport and you can see it from my brothers house on Gowrie Mountain.
I've also visited the Magnificent Cathedrals of Bendigo, both St Paul's and the even grander Sacred Heart.
They'll have to bite the bullet on Badgery's soon.