"(You) shoulda left (your) phone at home 'cause this is a disaster! "

It's quite funny, that after a bill has been legislated, making something that used to be second nature illegal, our perception of normalcy is altered. It's quite weird how quickly most of us adjust to it. For instance it was only in late 2004 that the New Zealand Government changed legislation so that it would be illegal to smoke in licensed premises such as bars, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs & casinos. It was only six years ago, yet now it seems totally crazy that we allowed it for so long.







So New Zealand citizens, I have a question for you...





How long exactly until you all stop using your cellphones whilst driving?





Just wanting to know when I can breathe a little easier at an intersection or along Centennial 'death-road' Highway? If I were Super-Nanny, you'd be in the naughty corner and let me tell you "It is totally unacceptable behaviour!" I had to give in to my habit three times last week because of your stupidity.





Brad, my sister Kelsey & I have a bad habit. Well technically it isn't bad. In fact it is good. When we are out & about on the open road, and we see dangerous driving - we call it in. That's right people, we are traffic nark's. And proud of it. We ring *555, Police Communications so often that they have our details at the ready. We should pretty much be on the payroll for all the work we do. We call it 'star-triple-narking'. And just so you know, we are now targeting cellphone users.





We often see a lot of dangerous driving on the Himitangi Straights. If you aren't from around here, the word 'straight' should clue you in on why people drive like idiots on this road. Not that it is a valid excuse.



The first time we 'star-triple-narked' we were on said road, when a Man driving an Isuzu jeep though it'd be fun to zig-zag all over the road, speed, pass on double yellow lines & pull out to pass with about 50 metres clearance. What an Egg. 'Star-triple-nark'? Engage.



Fifteen minutes later as we were pulling in to Levin, we saw two Police car's on the side of the road, one officer was dealing with another dangerous driver. The other officer looked at his clipboard, check his watch, got in his car & pulled the Isuzu over. As we drove past, we smiled and waved at the driver while the officer wrote out his ticket. Muahahahaha - was the fine really worth getting just five cars in front?





Over Easter, as we headed to and from Halcombe, we were on the Himitangi straights four times. We 'star-triple-narked' each and every time. On arrival at Halcombe, we told our other family members about our dirty little secret. Of course they didn't agree with their standard of driving, but they questioned us as to why would go out of our way to try and get someone in to trouble. Our answer? When people drive like idiots, they not only put themselves in harms way - they put our lives at risk.







So to the dangerous drivers of this nation, and to cell-phone "multi-takers" world-wide this is some advice that I have for you...







...If you are feeling reckless, go and do something that puts just your life on the line. Perhaps you could sky-dive, bungy jump, feed the sharks or swim outside the flags for example? Do whatever you like, it is your life & your body after all - but don't you dare gamble with my safety & the lives of the people I love.







I'll be watching, and waiting with my dialling finger at the ready. Don't say you weren't warned.