Editorial: Are we the country's worst drivers?

Horizons and Whanganui Police are educating drivers about lane sweeping.

They highlighted a problem that rankles more than it endangers - cars cutting into another lane whilst crossing Whanganui's city bridge.

It's called lane-sweeping and this week police and Horizons Regional Council staff were out at the intersection handing out educational leaflets to raise awareness of the issue.

At worst it can cause an accident.

Cutting into another lane without due indication, checking of blind spots and without the required three seconds minimum warning is dangerous.

It is also ignorant.

While no major accidents have been reported in recent times from lane-sweepers, the practice is responsible for many a raised blood pressure amongst work commuters.

Every morning and afternoon it happens.

There is always a car at the east side which starts in the right hand lane only to gas-it hard when the lights go green, and race ahead and cut in front of those legally embarking onto the bridge from the left hand lane.

It's no different from the city end. Whilst lanes are clearly marked they seem invisible to those who sweep from the right lane to the left whilst turning onto the bridge, often causing those in the correct left lane to take evasive action.

A newsroom discussion on the issue unanimously slated Whanganui drivers as amongst the worst in the country. That's perhaps a tad unkind.

But added to those who dawdle about at 30kmh, lane sweep without a care in the world, and who still have no idea what to do with their indicators at roundabouts, let's say there is room for improvement. I forgot to mention texting and chatting on cellphones.

Perhaps blame testosterone, or super competitiveness.

But having basic respect for others is important, especially on our roads.