Mobile Phone Use While Driving in NSW, Australia

 

Hi everyone today I am writing about using a mobile phone while driving.

I think we all know that using a mobile phone while driving is a serious road safety issue not only in New South Wales but pretty much everywhere. A phone can distract a driver by taking their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, or their mind away from driving. Even looking away for a few seconds can increase the risk of missing hazards, slow reaction time, or causing a crash.

Drivers must not hold a phone in their hand or rest it on any part of their body while driving. Mobile phone detection cameras operate in NSW and can detect illegal phone use at any time. If a driver breaks the rules, they may receive a fine and demerit points, and double demerits can apply during holiday periods.

The safest choice is to avoid using a mobile phone while driving. Drivers can put their phone on silent, use “Do Not Disturb While Driving”, ask a passenger to help, or pull over and park safely before using the phone. Following these rules helps protect the driver, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and everyone else on the road.

However, the rules are stricter for learners, and those on their “P’s” these drivers must not use a mobile phone at all while driving, even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. This includes calls, texting, music, social media, maps and hands-free use.

In NSW, “P’s” refers to provisional licence stages. A P1 driver is a new solo driver who displays red P plates, while a P2 driver is a more experienced provisional driver who displays green P plates. Both P1 and P2 drivers still have special licence conditions because they are gaining experience on the road.

Full licence holders may use a phone only in limited ways, such as hands-free voice calls or audio, or when the phone is secured in an approved holder and used for calls, audio or navigation.

Airway Problems

Today I am looking at the problems we can experience with our airways, ya know those passages that carry air into and out of the lungs.

Problems can arise when said passages become narrowed, blocked, irritated, or inflamed. These passages include the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, bronchi, and smaller breathing tubes in the lungs. When airflow is reduced, a person may find it harder to breathe, speak, sleep, exercise, or clear mucus from the chest.

The common causes are infections, allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, smoke exposure, choking, swelling, injury, or structural narrowing of the airway. Some problems are short-term, such as a cold or allergic reaction, while others can be long-term and need ongoing medical care.

The signs and symptoms to look for include

·       Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·       Noisy breathing, such as wheezing, whistling, or stridor

·       Persistent coughing or chest congestion

·       Tightness in the chest

·       Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or sleeping because of breathing symptoms

·       Blue, grey, or pale lips, gums, or fingernails in severe cases

As a severe airway problem can be life-threatening, we need to call for help sooner than often we may if someone is choking, cannot breathe or speak, has swelling of the face or throat, becomes confused or very drowsy, or develops blue, grey, or pale colouring around the lips or fingernails. It is time to stop scrolling and time to ring your emergency number here in Australia that is 000.

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include inhalers, allergy medicines, antibiotics for certain infections, oxygen support, removal of a blockage, or procedures to open a narrowed airway. Prevention can include avoiding smoke and known allergens, following an asthma or lung disease action plan, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, and seeking medical advice when breathing symptoms are new, worsening, or unusual.

Next week we will look at specific conditions that block our airways.

 

Week 35 of 2026

 

I slept well and was up 3 minutes before the alarm went off. Tim didn’t get home till 2.30am and I have no idea what time he went to bed.

I feel good this morning and managed to sweep, vacuum and clean the kitchen.

I also went for a walk to post my letters.

Blain came to see his mum and came to see me as well, while here he helped Papa check the damage to my chair and Tim decided that he will be able to repair the chair.

Steps: 7,669 = 4.7k’s or 2.9miles

I slept well enough but was up at 4.15am.

Sue came and picked me up and we went to Officeworks to pick up some documents I had printed. We then went to the chemist to get more needles for Tim’s insulin.

Tasha told me she lost it with the workers, whenever she asked a question all they would say is “don’t know” at one point because she was frustrated and angry one of the workers started laughing at her which is when she told them to pack up and leave, she had to tell them 3 times to leave before they did.

She doesn’t know if they will come back or what. Because she is only 4’ 7” tall or 140cm tall some people think she is a push over she is not.

Steps: 7,712 = 4.8k’s or 2.9 miles

A new day has arrived; I got up at 4.45am and after feeling a bit sluggish this morning I am at last starting to feel ok.

I went to Tasha’s to wait in case workmen arrived they didn’t.

This afternoon I fell over, not much damage a bruised knee and a sore elbow, I didn’t hit my head but trying not to hit it I strained a muscle I suspect.

At first, I just laid on the floor, but when I tried to get up I couldn’t so I rang Tasha no answer so I rang Sue and said 6 words I've fallen and can't get up the next thing I knew l had Tasha, Sue and Sandy here. Tasha had rung me back and I said the same 6 words to her.

In order to make others happy I am seeing the quack on Thursday morning.

Steps: 5,709 = 3.5k’s or 2.1 miles

A new day is here and a wet day it is my left knee and elbow are very sore, and I have a nasty small bruise on my knee.

I have had issues all day with my left leg and pain and not feeling stable when standing.

At 3pm I went to have a 30-minute lay down only to fall asleep for an hour.

Steps: 5,598 = 3.4k’s or 2.1 miles

Another day has arrived and it’s a somewhat cold start to the day.

My knee is really sore and has a dark bruise on it, my Dr’s appointment is at 8am, as it’s not raining, I will walk up to the top of the driveway to meet Sue.

Ok the doc said my knee and arm are fine and to use ice packs on my knee not heat packs as they can make the area bleed more darking the bruise and causing more pain.

The arvo has been fine done some housework, read some blog posts had little energy to do much at all.

Steps: 7,005 = 4.3k’s or 2.6 miles

Another day is here and it’s the last day of the working week. I have woken with not just a headache but an earache as well, so no hearing aids till that eases and as I am alone that should be ok

Did an email to our tendency officer about how I am concerned about Natasha’s state of mind due to all the shit going on with the workmen at her     place. She replied and acknowledged my concerns.

I was sitting here at my computer when in walks Sam and Jess, I felt so happy seeing Sam, I get the same way when seeing Blain and the girls, but I don’t see the girls much due to distance and their ages 13 & 16.

Had 2 naps today

Steps: 4,879 = 3k’s or 1.7miles

 

The Behaviour of Tuxedo Cats on Caturday with Luca

 

This week it is Luca and all tuxedo cats time to shine here, as todays Caturday post is about the behaviour of tuxedo cats.

Tuxedo cats are often known for their striking black-and-white markings, which make them look as though they are dressed for a formal occasion. However, a tuxedo cat is not a separate breed; it is a coat pattern that can appear in many different breeds and mixed-breed cats. Because of this, their behaviour is shaped more by their individual personality, upbringing, breed background, and environment than by their colouring alone.

Many owners describe tuxedo cats as confident, curious, playful, and affectionate. They may enjoy following people around the house, investigating new objects, and joining in daily routines. Some tuxedo cats are very social and vocal, while others are quieter and more independent. Like all cats, they communicate through body language, sounds, and habits such as rubbing, kneading, purring, or choosing favourite resting places near their humans.

Play is an important part of tuxedo cat behaviour. A bored cat may become restless, scratch furniture, or seek attention in mischievous ways, so toys, climbing spaces, scratching posts, and regular interaction can help keep them settled and happy. Puzzle feeders and short play sessions are especially useful for cats that seem clever, energetic, or easily bored.

Although tuxedo cats have a reputation for being charming and full of personality, it is important not to assume that every cat with this coat pattern will behave the same way. The best way to understand a tuxedo cat is to observe its individual preferences: how it likes to be touched, when it wants attention, what kind of play it enjoys, and where it feels safe. With patience, enrichment, and respectful handling, a tuxedo cat can become a lively, loyal, and entertaining companion.

 

Links And Life

 

Here are this week’s links

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/sharing-my-world_0223426885.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/last-august-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/friendly-fill-ins_045024667.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2026/08/getting-too-know-you.html

 

              Living a Go-With-the-Flow Life Over an Intentional Life

Ok I have been thinking about how I live my life going with the flow over some who live what some may call an intentional life.          

I feel there is a quiet beauty in living a go-with-the-flow life. It does not mean being careless, passive, or without ambition. Instead, it means allowing life to unfold without needing to control every detail. It is the art of trusting the moment you are in, adapting when plans change, and believing that not every meaningful experience has to be scheduled, measured, or perfectly planned.

An intentional life may be praised because it gives direction. It asks us to set goals, make plans, choose our values, and move through the world with purpose. There is strength in that. But sometimes, a life that is too intentional can become heavy. Every choice can start to feel like a test. Every delay can feel like failure. Every unexpected turn can seem like evidence that we are falling behind.

Going with the flow offers a different kind of wisdom. It teaches patience. It reminds us that life is not only something to design, but something to experience. Some of the best moments arrive unannounced: a conversation that changes your perspective, an opportunity you did not expect, a detour that leads somewhere better than the original plan. When we loosen our grip, we make room for surprise, growth, and ease.

This does not mean giving up on dreams or drifting without care. A go-with-the-flow life can still have values, hopes, and direction. The difference is that it leaves space for change. It says, “I know what matters to me, but I do not need to force life to happen in one exact way.” It is less about abandoning intention and more about softening it.

Some may feel a peaceful way to live is to carry intention lightly by knowing yourself and remaining open to whatever. while noticing the scenery along the way. A go-with-the-flow life invites us to trust that we do not always have to chase life so tightly. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Using A Roundabout

 

Today I am looking at roundabouts which are common here in Australia. They began appearing in Australia in the late 1960s, with the first official Australian roundabout reported to have been built in Canberra in 1969. They became more common in later decades as traffic planners used them to improve safety and keep vehicles moving through intersections.

They are designed to keep traffic moving safely through intersections. In NSW, the most important rule is that drivers entering a roundabout must slow down and give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. You should only enter when there is a safe gap.

When approaching a roundabout, be prepared to stop. You must give way to all vehicles already in the roundabout, including vehicles coming from your right, from directly opposite, or from your left if they have already entered. Giving way means slowing down or stopping to avoid a collision.

If turning left you must indicate left before entering the roundabout, stay in the left lane unless signs or arrows say otherwise, and keep indicating until you exit.

When going straight ahead do not indicate on approach. When leaving the roundabout, indicate left if it is practical to do so.

If turning right or making a U-turn you must indicate right before entering, use the right lane unless signs or arrows allow another lane, keep indicating right while turning, then indicate left when exiting if practical.

On multi-lane roundabouts, always follow the arrows and signs on the road. Plan ahead so you are in the correct lane before entering. If the left lane is marked for left turns only, you must not use it to go straight. If the right lane is marked for right turns only, you must not use it to turn left or go straight.

You should avoid changing lanes inside a roundabout if possible. If you need to change lanes, you must indicate, check your blind spot and give way to any vehicle in the lane you are moving into. You may only change lanes where the line is broken. When exiting, signal left if practical and stop indicating once you have left the roundabout.

Simple safety tips

·       Slow down as you approach and look for signs, arrows and give way lines.

·       Enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic.

·       Watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians near the roundabout.

·       Do not assume another driver’s signal is correct; wait until it is safe.

·       Keep your speed low and be ready for traffic to stop suddenly.

 

Our Lungs

 

This week we are looking at our lungs.

The human lungs are a pair of soft, spongy organs located inside the chest, protected by the rib cage. They are an essential part of the respiratory system, which allows the body to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Every breath brings fresh air into the lungs, where oxygen moves into the bloodstream and is carried to cells throughout the body.

The rib cage plays an important role in protecting the lungs. The ribs form a strong, curved frame around the chest that helps shield the lungs and heart from injury. The rib cage also helps with breathing because the ribs move up and out when a person breathes in, allowing the lungs to expand, and move down and in when a person breathes out.

Air enters through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and then passes into two main bronchi, one leading to each lung. These bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by small blood vessels, making them the main site where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

A person’s lung capacity or the amount of air the lungs can hold varies from person to person depending on age, body size, fitness level, and overall health. People who exercise regularly often use their lungs more efficiently, while smoking, illness, or pollution can reduce how well the lungs work. Measuring lung capacity can help doctors understand how healthy a person’s breathing system is.

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes to make room for the heart.

The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, helps pull air in and push air out during breathing.

Healthy lungs help supply oxygen for energy, remove waste gases, and support the body’s overall function.