RHD Rant

[jelbon]

The sunday Victoria Times Colonist has a letter to the editor with the usual rants and a call to ban imports.
Anybody care to respond? I'm afraid my inevitably sarcastic reply would be counter productive.
I'm using a blackberry to post this with and if someone could search the TC site and post the link I would appreciate it.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Here it is:

Impose strict limits on right-hand-drive cars


By Peter Hamer, Times ColonistMay 2, 2010



Right-hand-drive cars, vans and trucks have reached plague proportions on our roads. And yet, while we read that the accident rate for these vehicles is statistically higher, our government and ICBC seem prepared to accept that increased risk to us.

It is an unquestionable fact that it is much more difficult to drive these alien vehicles in our environment; negotiating traffic signals and intersections, lane changing and merging with traffic, and overtaking are just a few of the problems their drivers have to try to cope with.

There's also the considerable danger of passengers being obliged to enter and exit from the traffic side of the vehicle; families with kids should surely think this one through.

I have driven many miles in Europe where I had to deal with these conditions; it was bad enough in a car with plenty of windows, but it's a real challenge for vans and trucks without a clear view to the side and rear. No amount of mirrors can fully compensate for that problem.

In other countries there are considerable restrictions placed on wrong-handed imports, if they are allowed in at all. In most cases, it's just not worth the trouble to bring them in.

Not so here in B.C., it seems. We all accept the recent introduction of laws banning the use of mobile devices and other distractions while driving as a sensible move, and we have become used to the "nanny" rules and regulations designed to protect us from ourselves.

It is now time to plug the loopholes in the system and seriously restrict, if not outright ban, the importation of these dangerous right-hand-drive automobiles.

Peter Hamer

Cobble Hill
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist ( http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/le ... story.html )

[jelbon]

Thanks.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Where do they find these guys?

[drrod]

Unfortunately, you can find a lot of these "guys" if you look in city halls, provincial legislatures, parliament buildings, etc.
Interesting about his comment on Europe. I travel there a lot and see all kinds of "wrong sided" vehicles, be it in the UK or the continent. From what I understand, 25% of the vehicles in Japan are LHD. Could the problem be our typical North American "arrogance" (for lack of a better word)? Seems that if it isn't done or invented here, a lot of people think that it must not be good.
Rod

[William]

The nerve of some people. Can someone post this article on http://forum.ivoac.ca/index.php ?

[jessef]

The nerve of some people. Can someone post this article on http://forum.ivoac.ca/index.php ?

Done.

The writer is ignorant.

[Green1]

we really should get out there and ban LHD, it has far inferior visibility in all normal driving situations and is a real menace on the roads, our roads are obviously designed for RHD vehicles!

[FalcoColumbarius]

I concur. Those pesky LHDrivers are pulling out without signalling or looking.... And what about the blind spots in some of those vehicles.... like the FJ Cruiser...... But I suppose if you can't see them then you're safe, right?

Falco.

[Jordan]

My deli has the least amount of "blind spot" than any other car I have driven... Ever, it's like a RHD goldfish bowl.

[Profister]

Hmm. I wonder if JDM imports somehow affect his kart business:

From Victoria Karting section in Buy & Sell:

For Sale - $4200

Italkart 2007 Supersonic performance go kart. Upgraded rear disc brake system, Alfano Timing System, steering wheel mounted.
TAG 125 cc Parilla Leopard engine with zero hours after complete rebuild, incl. new one-piece clutch unit.
One set of magnesium wheels, one set of aluminum wheels. One session on new Mojo Blue tires, plus 75% left on set of MG tires.
Comes with rubber tired cart, extra seat, extra new front bumper and complete new decal set.
Everything in excellent, ready-to-race condition. Includes all manuals.
This is a competitive, no excuses, package.
** Also available, MIR yellow and black racing suit, rib guard and helmet available for 200 lb, 6' tall adult. Worn 4 times.

*** Plus, brand new 2009 Xtera 6' x 10' trailer, set up and ready to go, $4200.
Contact: Peter Hamer at 250-743-2454 (h) or 250-727-1151 (cel)

http://www.victoriakarting.com/kartads.htm

So, if you cannot leave a comment for his article in Times you can contact him directly.

[jelbon]

It should be pointed out that this was a letter to the editor in the TC's Opinion section and not an article written by the TC.
It really does require a V-letter or letters.
As I mentioned previously I subscribe to the theory that tact is for people who don't have the wit for sarcasm and would therefore not be a good candidate as a spokesperson for us rhd types on this occasion.
Should I phone him and see if he wants to trade his toy for my Delica?

[mararmeisto]

Hmm. I wonder if JDM imports somehow affect his kart business...

Might have something to do with the the Karting's association with the Victoria Motor Sports Club - too many Skylines beating their Camaros!

[Green1]

maybe his carts should be banned because they are centre drive and not LHD?

[jelbon]

It would appear that I'm not the only rhd operator that suffers from a severe strain of sarcasm. Wait until the UK and Aussie's get stuck in, we'll get sarcasm in two more languages.
Or will it be irony?