Fri 9 March 2007 - Bullbars
Bullbars have a legitimate use in some rural areas, where threats such as kangaroos and other wildlife can do significant damage to a car and its occupants.
In urban areas though, they’re a menace, significantly increasing the chances of injury and death to other car occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. Given that 90 percent of 4WDs never leave the bitumen, and many of these have bullbars, maybe it’s time that someone invented a strong, yet easily detachable bullbar which could be taken off the vehicle when it’s being used in suburban areas. Have a period of phasing out permanent ones, and then start fining people for using them in the cities.
(Alas I was not quick-witted enough yesterday to get a picture of the 4WD a lady had driven into the tram superstop in Collins Street. It’s times like these you want to go and knock on the window and ask if she’s going to West Preston or Box Hill, show a Metcard and help yourself to the passenger seat.)