It would be funny if it wasn’t against the very thing it was formed to stand for. Way back in the day AA officials, in their bright yellow vehicles, used to surreptitiously warn AA members about speed traps – at least where I come from – and this was considered a worthwhile service.

Nowadays, though, we find the AA siding more and more with the authorities, even applauding the upcoming average speed traps which are to be erected in Auckland, South Auckland, and Wellington.

I’m all for increasing safety, but this constant hammering away at those motorists who exceed arbitrarily imposed limits, usually on straight roads, while ignoring those who are texting at the wheel, or using their cellphones without handsfree kits, is taking the easy way out, and not very effective in cutting the road toll.

And what about drug-driving? Moves are afoot to legalise cannabis use, and the police already largely turn a blind eye to marijuana smokers, but where tests are done (and I’m told they’re few and far between) the tests are such that a good lawyer will drive a 16 wheeler through them if they get to court…

All that said, it’s coming up holiday time, and here at Motor Equipment News we just want to implore you to drive with your wits about you.

I know the whole team here is looking forward to a good break and a bit of a rest, as I bet you are too, so I know they will join me in wishing all our readers and our advertisers a really great Christmas break and a happy new year.

Oh, and if you fancy spending time in the bright lights, make sure you get a sober driver, bus, taxi or uber to get you home if you’ve had a drink or two – otherwise those bright lights may well turn into blue ones, and we don’t want that, do we?