You know what really makes me see red when I’m driving? People talking on their mobile phones or sending text messages. What’s worse is when they need to turn left or right. They’re suddenly all elbows and thumbs, trying to turn the wheel, change gears and swerve to miss the kerb, all while they’re texting or talking. It’d be amusing if it wasn’t so selfish. I mean, how dare they put my life at risk! I give them a glare, which of course they totally ignore as they’re too busy discussing vital matters, like what to have for dinner.

As our cover story reports, our road toll is more than 25% higher than it was this time last year and how we behave when we’re behind the wheel (i.e. text messaging, speeding, drink driving) is part of the problem. Certainly we need better roads and safer cars that are more affordable but we need to take responsibility as well. So myself and the team have put our names down for one of NRMA’s Safer Driving Courses. It’s for people who have had their licence for a few years (quite a few years for some of us) and have slipped into some bad habits, or do things that are just plain dangerous that we may not even be aware of. 

This issue, we also meet two people who were involved in car crashes that left them wheelchair bound, though it hasn’t stopped them from getting back behind the wheel. Celia Bray talks about the modifications she was able to make to her car so she could get her independence back, and our ‘Meet a Member’, David Hall, not only has a modified 1966 Mustang, he is Australia’s best wheelchair tennis player, ever.

If you’re looking to sell your car, our guide lets you in on the secrets of getting the best price and even lists what to include when you run an ad. And if you’re thinking about getting a new car to replace the one you’ve just sold, you should enter our competition to win a Mitsubishi 380. You never know your luck! .

Neerdra D’Souza
Editor/The Open Road