12 Wairarapa Midweek Opinion Wednesday, June 16, 2021 EDITORIAL
MIDWEEK PHOTOS
Opinion
Keep your distance This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. The endless tailgating on Wairarapa roads is beyond ridiculous. Considering I’ve been making the 90-pluskilometre commute from Wellington to Masterton almost on a daily basis, I believe I am well-equipped to give my opinion on this. I can’t recall ever going one trip without seeing someone riding up extremely close to the backside of another vehicle, or even my own. It’s a never-ending nuisance, which means that despite the number of times I have seen it, the annoyance of it doesn’t wear off. And in the past fortnight, I believe the tailgaters have come out in abundance, and considering the weather has started to change with more rain coming in, I thought it was a good time to address it. There isn’t a law to my knowledge regarding how far you should keep yourself from a vehicle in front of you, but the New Zealand Transport Agency [NZTA] does have a recommended safe
Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?
Peace of Mind
Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment.
John Lazo-Ron
CUTIE OF THE WEEK
following distance called the ‘two-second’ rule. The two-second rule [under normal conditions] is an easy way to ensure you have allowed enough following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, no matter what speed you’re travelling at. The thing is, under worse conditions, when a road is wet or slippery, there is even a ‘foursecond’ rule. If drivers struggle with the two-second rule, how do you think people go with that rule? I’m not 100 per cent sure why people choose to tailgate, but I’m guessing it’s mainly a way of saying to the driver in front of them to hurry up. Don’t get me wrong, it is very frustrating when you have a car or truck slowing you down on the road, especially when you are trying to get somewhere at a specific time.
But there’s nothing you can do about it unless the car pulls over or there is a passing lane. So why make matters worse. If a vehicle is driving specifically slow, there will always be a strong chance they’ll have a heavy foot and brake faster, potentially putting you both in danger. And if something unfortunate did happen in this instance, well, who’s fault is it that you are so close behind that vehicle? In another scenario, a tailgater tends to be in a hurry. So the moment they get a chance to take over, they take off, bringing more possible dangers related to speed. Do I believe tailgating will stop or slow down? Unfortunately, no. However, I’ll do my part and let people know of the damage it can cause. Keep your distance, even in a hurry, especially with winter here.
The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.
Turn everyday essentials into SuperGold
Visit www.supergold.govt.nz or download and check the SuperGoldNZ app.
RATHKEALE & ST MATTHEW'S SENIOR COLLEGE PRESENTS...
2ND - 7TH JULY SG_182x126_grocery
Find all the ways you could stretch your money further.
Huckles looking rather comfortable! PHOTO/STEF BRAZENDALE
Rathkeale College Trust House Theatre Willow Park Drive
Music by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Lyrics by: TIM RICE TM© 1991 The Really Useful Group Limited BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED
