Well having lost my licence for this I've had plenty of time to think about this:
Firsty, alot of it is about confidence coupled with responsibility (usually the the latter is left wanting), secondly, having a positive sense of good judgement (something I was greatly lacking) and lastly, I think it has to do with how people appoach driving.
I agree, reckless driving has no place on public roads, as Juzza once said to me, "It is all about share and care", yes, damn right I agree. However, there should be some focus put on 'recreational' driving at proper venues in a controlled enviroment, there is quite simply a woeful lack of this. For people like me who like their cars and get a rush from driving fast, pushing the limits and spinning the wheels (or whatever floats your boat), this would be a great alternative, and whatever happens at the track/stip, stays there...
However, I will say this for a bloke that (untill recently) drove a heck of a lot of miles, there needs to be a far greater enphasis by the government to improve the safety of roads by improving infrastructure an major roads and highways. It is ridiculous that in 2007 we still see narrow bitumen full of potholes along some parts of the WA countryside, it is a joke and it is quite simply a mockery upon the lack of initiative shown by both federal and state governments on this issue.
Speed limits, well on the newer parts of the highway, I'll confess I broke speed limits on these highways. Why? because in my VL commodore, one that I had been behind the wheel for as long as I could walk (I grew up on a farm, so privvie property here), so in full confidence of my vehicle and my own abilities, I drove quicker, the reason being, because the road was very safe, wide, flat, new and had much of the bushland cleared from it's edges. That is how all bloody highways in this country should be, and if 130 or whatever is safe enough to as a limit, then let it be that. If the freeway in Perth can go to 110km, then lift it 10 bloody kays, and yes I bet it would improve traffic flow as well...
Still, I find that loosing my licence to be a sobering experiance, I'd rather not have had to cop it, but now I reckon I'm better for it, now I realise that driving is a priverlage and that it isn't to be abused, which I clearly did and I paid for it. One then learns the value of being able to drive and that driving just isn't about the individual (me), but also about everyone else (you guys). One that note, I don't agree with current licencing and policing policy, cameras, speed guns, flashlights, demerit points and computerised driving test don't and will not save lives. Now, I have no answer for the policing thing, but I reckon a driving test by a certified trainer (Eg: AHG) and/or a defensive driving course, with a successful pass mark should be required to apply for P-Plates. That way, it isn't just road rules whihc are learnt, but also vital driving and handling skills which WILL save lives...
