inbox. LETTERS
Avoid driver fatigue I have been a driver for 55 years in trucks and passenger vehicles. Driver fatigue occurs in many forms. In heavy traffic, bad weather, bad road conditions, we tense up, become agitated, increase speed, and more concentration is required, so we become tired. Tasmanian roads need ultra-concentration, that’s why at the end of your journey, you wonder why you’re so tired. So, let your eyes do all the work, anticipating hazards. Your body will react to any situation. My advice is: never dwell on the destination. Avoid travelling at night because of native wildlife. Take in the journey and enjoy the trip. Stop every two hours for a ‘breather’. If you’re in a hurry, leave an hour earlier. Greg Hyland // Devonport
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JOURNEYS // JUN / JUL 2022
Are e-scooters a safety menace? As a motorist, cyclist and pedestrian I strongly object to the presence of e-scooters on our roads and footpaths. As a motorist I’m horrified that scooters are used on the road – they’re difficult for drivers to see and the riders are extremely vulnerable. On footpaths they’re a continual menace to pedestrians, particularly the elderly. The safety sessions conducted by the scooter companies are a joke – I’d be surprised if more than a minority of riders attend them. Possibly the most annoying thing is the way many scooters block the footpath when parked. This is a nuisance for able-bodied people and a great inconvenience for the handicapped. To cap it all off, the use of e-scooters does their riders no good. Apart from the risk of serious accidents, it is a substitute for much healthier walking or cycling. I very much doubt that it’s substituting for the use of cars. Derek Walter // South Hobart
