There is a problem with traffic build up at roundabouts in Thurgoona (and other parts of Albury).
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This would be helped by road users making themselves aware of the road rules that apply at roundabouts.
The rules on the RMS website state “Approaching a roundabout: Vehicles entering a roundabout must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Giving way at a roundabout: The driver must slow down and if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.”
A lot of drivers seem to believe that you give way to the right at roundabouts and so they sit there until everyone on their right has gone through while other drivers approach roundabouts at speed and expect everyone waiting to enter the roundabout on their left, to give way to them. That is using bullying tactics because they travel fast and do not look as though they are prepared to slow down so drivers let them go through.
If you dare to enter the roundabout before they do, they will not slow down and think they have right of way.
A writer has already raised another issue with roundabouts where you can be sitting in the left-hand lane of the freeway waiting to move up the exit ramp to Thurgoona Drive when the traffic is banked up all the way to the roundabout, caused again by drivers giving way to the right at the roundabout.
It is a wonder that there are not more incidents at roundabouts.
The RMS should introduce a program of educating people about the rules at roundabouts and police should be targeting roundabouts and fine people for not abiding by the rules.
If people followed the rules and had consideration for other road users this would help traffic flow.
David Dow, Thurgoona
Check your heritage
With people proud of having a touch of the Irish on St Patrick’s Day, it is also important to be aware of ‘the Celtic curse’ causing iron overload.
Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in Australia, with about one in 200 people genetically predisposed to it. One in seven people are carriers of the gene.
The condition is more common in people with Celtic ancestry, with Ireland having the highest proportion of their population affected.
Sadly, however there is still a general lack of awareness of the condition and consequently many people suffer the effects of haemochromatosis without being diagnosed.
Early symptoms are fairly common to other conditions with people often feeling tired all the time, sometimes with aching joints. When undetected and untreated, haemochromatosis can cause organ and tissue damage potentially resulting in premature death.
The good news is that if detected before damage occurs, haemochromatosis can be managed easily through blood donations and is no barrier to a normal life or life expectancy.
So if you celebrated your heritage on St Patrick’s Day please also ask yourself if you or someone in your family may have inherited the ‘Celtic curse’. If you have any concerns, please speak with your GP. There are still too many people whose health is at risk because of this ‘silent destroyer’.
Further information can be found at www.ha.org.au.