I loathe the George-Frederick-Pitt-London Sts intersection. You know the one?
The five-slice system is more appropriate to an apple pie than to a traffic junction, and it inflicts lengthy light-waiting times upon pedestrians and drivers alike. However, as confusing as it is, you can be sure that it'll become even more so this weekend.
Undoubtedly, you're already aware of the coming road-rule changes (here's hoping, anyway), but an issue like this deserves as much publicity as it can get.
As of this Sunday, two of our road rules are changing. I won't elaborate, for risk of confusing us all, but just remember: 1) "Top of the T goes before me," and, 2) "If you're turning right, give way." Additionally, apparently green-coloured cars trump all rights of way. Drivers of red-coloured cars don't have such privileges. Remember the ads?
Even if you're clued up on the new situation (and/or in a green car), please don't assume that everybody else is quite as clever as you are. For thorough guidance and for some exciting virtual road experiences, make sure you visit www.giveway.co.nz/interactive, or www.giveway.govt.nz.
As with all changes, communication will be key.
Whether this involves a friendly wave of encouragement ("That's right, off you go, T-top"), or perhaps a more elaborate combination of eye contact and facial feedback ("Give way, Mr Right"), let's regard our fellow drivers with an extra dose of tolerance.
Whoever decided to schedule the rule-change for Sunday, rather than a working day, certainly had their thinking cap on straight. If any sector of the public has the patience for such a trial, it's surely the blessed souls on their way to church. It's also sensible providing Saturday-morning athletes' parents with as long as possible to get used to the situation; the stress of new rules, in addition to getting kiddies to the game on time, is a ripe recipe for road-rage (especially at an apple-pie intersection).
Dunedin students are predominantly pedestrians, so for once we won't be the likely culprits if city-wide carnage ensues. Due to Saturday's Hyde St Party, it's unlikely that North Dunedin students will be on the road before midday on Sunday, anyway.
Perhaps this is a good chance for the rest of Dunedin's population to also cut back on their reliance on cars. Provided you live close to town, our compact city centre means driving is rarely necessary.
Alternatively - particularly if you're still a little apprehensive - you could experiment with a new mode of transport: bus, cycle, skateboard, scooter, rollerblade, horseback, swim (the Leith). Personally, I long for the return of the equipage, and I keenly await the commercialisation of personal jet-packs. Wouldn't it be great if our guardian angels could give us a lift?
Unfortunately, however, getting behind the wheel is unavoidable for everyone at some stage. And if you do end up in utter confusion, waiting for some driver to turn this way or that, or at least throw you a communicative glance ... just remember that as bad as it is here, it'll be so much worse in Auckland.
- Katie Kenny studies English at the University of Otago.
