If I Was A Traffic Cop I'd.......

Discussions on better road driving, advanced courses and the like
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RobBruce
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Post by RobBruce »

Giles wrote:I am chuckling whilst reading this absorbing thread.

Everyone has a view and opinion of their driving skills and it is generally high.

I can assure you that having attending a driving skills day at Prodrive yesterday which was run by professionals I realised that I am frankly an appalling driver - I say this in ALL seriousness and am very happy to admit the fact.

I guarantee that EVERYONE that has contributed to this thread so far with the probably exception of Rob Bruce (as I assume he has taken the police driving skills course), would be in for a MAJOR shock were they to attend what I did yesterday.

:mrgreen:

WOW. Got a few more replies than I expected! Have loved reading this thread, some very interesting "discussions" have taken place. It's also given me a useful insight into what people actually want for our roads, rather than the useless bloody cameras.


To pick up on Giles' point - EVERYONE should try the IAM/Rospa advanced test, or at least have an assessment. The civillian Advanced test is almost up to the police Standard Response level (we do a few more bits) and WILL improve your driving.
I passed the Advanced/Pursuit course with a Class One three years ago, and I'm still learning. You never stop - at least the good ones don't.

And don't feel too bad Giles. I had 'Nemesis' on my tailpipes through three counties a little while ago - looked pretty good to me :D


Spokey - yes I am now a "Rat". I promise I'll try to keep the Z1 lane clear for you.
And John ZZEMMCO, I must correct you......... It's about 30 Gatsos to one Trafpol car. Particularly when it's a Mitsubishi Evo VIII :wink:

Keep those rants coming in!!!


Rob

PS If anyone fancies an "assessment" drive for the IAM stuff I'd be happy to offer my services.
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Giles
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Post by Giles »

garyw wrote:To dear Giles on top of your high horse. :?

But those rules being recently taught by various advanced driving agencies leave alot to be desired and as some recent conversations showed, some of the idea are plain "Silly" :dunce:
They may work for do-gooders and the so, but in the real world, I think not.
High horse - hhhhmmm. Not so sure about that Gary :puzzle: I'm sorry if I came across as aloof but I'll stick by what said!

Firstly what I learnt on Wednesday was very much based upon exactly what does happen in the real world.

Re-visit your post after (if) you've attended what I attended. This wasn't an advanced driving course, dealing with how many times you need to look over your shoulder before you maneuver. What I learn't about was observation, anticipation and understanding what your surroundings are telling you. The emphasis was on safety. Just simple stuff like what different signs are telling us; why lampposts are positioned on certain sides of the road, what the difference is between A roads marked green and those marked in red on maps and therefore the potential impact on you the driver; what the broken lines at t-junctions actually mean; accident statistics comparing Motorways, A roads and incidents in towns; the (huge) difference between stopping distances at 70mph & 90mph etc etc - these few examples were eye opening facts not techniques that could be called 'plain silly'.
garyw wrote:I have not had the joy of yet being on a scheme to be a better driver although one is coming to me very soon. I hope I am enlightened.
Be cynical when you have been enlightened, not before! I think it is human nature to blame others before you look at yourself, particularly when it comes to driving, hence my casting stones comment. (If I'm honest I wonder what you mean when you talk about Sunday bringing out the nightmare motorist? I wonder whether others may have the same view of you and I when we're careering round country lanes at unfeasibly quick pace during a 'cruise' :? )

Let me be clear, my comments were based on what I attended and of course I appreciate that views differ widely on such training; I think because the options of 'courses' available varies hugely - I hope yours mirrors mine.

(Hops off neddy again! I can assure you my horse was 2 inches high when during wet slalom I spun a virtually new M3 HARD into gravel and it was taken out of action with a badly damaged front disc and rim :oops: )
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Post by DavidO »

and I'm still learning
The defining statement in the thread? :idea:

Isn't it strange that the natural evolutionary process ensures that as we go through life we constantly absorb more information about everything we do, and learn to apply that knowledge with more wisdom.

Yet when it comes to driving, much of the human race seems intent on scrabbling through a basic test and then UN-learning its limited knowledge in the shortest possible time. :|
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Post by ZZZEMMCO »

If you are honest, the biggest battle is with yourself.We all know we are class 1 drivers, as these posts show.

If you can admitt , there May be something YOU could learn to improve your thinking and awareness, you have overcome the first hurdle.

Having a better driving day on a circuit sharpens up the reflexes, and you learn how to handle the car in differant situations, in a controlled area.At the days end, you leave most of your new knowledge behind as you enter the real would.Combine a IAM-Rospa instruction on road , and you would become a very differant driver, one who Now thinks ahead, instead of being on Autopilot.

20 years ago, we did the Millbrook test facilities drives and then out onto the public roads with Class 1 drivers, for assessment drives, 24 in number.

We came back born again Drivers, with eyes as big as saucers and ego,s deflated.That was the time we really started to gain experience, and you never stop.You may not agree with some of the advice or methods, but you are free to decide--the good choice could save your life.
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Post by garyw »

Giles wrote: Be cynical when you have been enlightened
:oops: sorry mate thats my nature :oops:
Giles wrote:If I'm honest I wonder what you mean when you talk about Sunday bringing out the nightmare motorist?
The standard of driving (on motorways) is so obviously different at weekends compared to weekdays, But yes accidents do happen at both times
Giles wrote: I wonder whether others may have the same view of you and I when we're careering round country lanes at unfeasibly quick pace during a 'cruise' :? )

Concerns I have voiced recently. We/I have never had so much abuse as at some of the recent cruises. As posted on a thread recently, I was unfortunate to hit a dog whilst out on a cruise. The dog had jumped free from the owners arms whilst about 2 or 3mtrs in front of me :shock: I had been aware of the dog, so what speed should I pass it :? wisely using my own control and not being forced to by a speed camera, I approached slowly. The dog ran straight into the front of my car and was pushed for only a very small distance, it was totally unhurt, but hey the way the owner blamed us loonies for blasting down the lanes :roll: I had your exact thoughts in my mind.
That night the cruise was at a sensible speed, and I believe I approached the dog and people at a speed we all would have done (similar to horses).
Giles wrote: I think because the options of 'courses' available varies hugely - I hope yours mirrors mine.
I think we are all singing from the same Hymn book, perhaps just on different pages :wink:
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Post by Robin »

On the Gaydon pm mini cruise I was concerned at the
"careering round country lanes at unfeasibly quick pace during a 'cruise'".
I was pleased to have been left behind on the sections with only a 100 yards or so visibility due to the brow of hill or bends.
There was loads of dry mud or ***t on the road. It only wanted a load of cows p**s & one of those patches on the bends could have been like an ice rink. :lol: :roll:
Were we playing russian roullete - with other people lives ?
What about cyclists on a blind bend or people coming the other way ?
I think that anyone that drives like that after an advanced driving lesson wasted their money on the lesson.
With me it was instinct or self preservation that kicked in & I only hit 85kph :wink: on the straight stretches where I could see a good distance ahead.
Perhaps they don't or simply can't teach instinct or was it fear :) on these wonderful 'advanced' lessons ?
Appologies if I sound smug.
I must admit also I pushed it further than I should have at times.

So as regards the Beaulieu cruise on 3rd Oct through the forest with all the unfenced New Forest ponies that tend to wander across the road, please don't drive too fast. Or too slow ! :wink:
Last edited by Robin on Fri 27 Aug, 2004 16:53, edited 11 times in total.
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Post by DavidM »

Robin - that is an interesting point that you raise - about speed on cruises - this was a topic that got mentioned whilst out in Switzerland with Tim, Gary, Nick et al. I admit we had our moments of craziness, but many of the runs were not about a blatt here and there as fast as we can - Tim first mentioned it about the Friday run to Piz Gloria, that it was a pleasant run, at reasonable speeds, taking in the scenery and enjoying the drive. That theme continued for much of the week. In discussions in the evening this topic again came up - with the speed of some of the recent cruises being raised - and the question of when (not if) an accident occurs - which in itself is a scary thought that the phrasing has changed from "if" to "when"

No doubt some of the above may prompt the calling of me as a "spoilsport" or a "bit of a girl" etc, but I think it is a valid concern
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Post by Surj »

Going back to the original topic (anyone remember that?? :wink: )

Drivers with fog lights on (day and night) - wtf??

Why not just have a window sticker that says 'I am a t****r - look at me?'

oh, and the gits that speed thru our village in the middle of the night with their 'loud' peugeots and booming bass.

Comedy moment last week while taking the cars out for the weekly run:
While on my usual 'circuit' late on Sunday eve, I see a 'phat Peugeot 306' in the distance; he's seen me (actually he probably heard me!) and his machine has hunkered down as he attempts to accelerate away (I'm already hitting about 7000rpm in 3rd at this stage).

We approach a roundabout (and yes I keep a safe distance as there's really no point in 'tailgating' at a roundabout) and he careens around, right rear goes airborne (his not mine!!), back of the pug swigs out left and he manages to catch it and ends up on the straight with the back end swiging out right. Inside the pug is a whirlwind of elbows and baseball caps!! As he straightens out (after making an acquaintance with the bushes on the left of the road) I nail it and thunder past. HAHA!! One up for the villagers you suckers!! Had I Judge Dredd's Lawgiver in my posession, I would have arrested, passed judgement and sentenced them there and then!! :twisted:

Be Vigilant & Behave... :shock:

Surj (flame on!!)

And before anyone starts - I drive between 75-85 on the Mway, ALWAYS move over to the left when possible and I do undertake if reqd. I also invariably drive thru villages at 30-35mph which infuriates the plonkers behind me who drive at a constant 50mph in the countryside whether they are in a village or not :head:
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Life too short, don't want it to be even shorter !

Post by Robin »

David thanks. I think if I may take the moral high ground, those crazy moments should only involve risk to one's OWN life. So should be done on clear empty stretches of road with loads of visibility.
But remember as Giles says, "Life's too short".
Yes, it could be very much too short if one isn't careful. :shake:
Last edited by Robin on Fri 27 Aug, 2004 13:17, edited 4 times in total.
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Post by Robin »

Surj wrote: Drivers with fog lights on (day and night) - wtf??
Why not just have a window sticker that says 'I am a t****r - look at me?'
Absolutley. What Plonkers.
Also my son's driving instuctor said to him the other day, "Beware of Vauxhall drivers"
At first, I thought what a ridiculous generalisation, then much to my surprise I did notice that a disproportionate number of Vauxhall drivers are unpredictable idiots !
Last edited by Robin on Fri 27 Aug, 2004 12:23, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Surj »

And onto the latest issue, I think the key to 'sprited' cruises is finding roads with good visibility. I agree with the general consensus that shooting around blind corners and crests is not really my idea of fun when you have no idea whats coming the other way.

Much better to do that kind of stuff on a track/sprint/hill climb etc

Personally, i have 2 golden rules which (so far) have kept me in good stead: 1. Dont be the fastest person on the Mway. 2. If you cant see, dont do it. They work for me...

The only time I got in trouble was when I totally disregarded rule 1 - :head:
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Post by DavidM »

Surj wrote:... oh, and the gits that speed thru our village in the middle of the night with their 'loud' peugeots and booming bass ...
So do you want me to turn down the Upgraded Stereo and not blip the "loud" Eisenmann Exhausts when we come to see you on Monday? :D :? :wink:
Last edited by DavidM on Fri 27 Aug, 2004 11:42, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Surj »

I'm counting on it!!

Unfortunately, my beastie will be in for her annual medical but I could join you in some wind in hair action perhaps...
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Post by Zmeagol »

DavidM (King Of Chrome) wrote:So do you want me to turn down the Upgraded Stereo and not blip the "loud" Eisenmann Exhausts
Nick and I were having bets whether you would blip the exhaust when you passed the young nuns near Einsiedeln. I said you would, as you had managed to give an aural grope to every other female is Switzerland by then, but Nick was right, you were obviously in a pious mood.

Tim
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Post by DavidM »

Zmeagol wrote:aural grope
:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
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Post by garyw »

Surj wrote:Why not just have a window sticker that says 'I am a t****r - look at me?
I think certain official cars clubs do them :oops:
Surj wrote:I drive between 75-85 on the Mway
you have too or the spoiler doesn't lift 8-) :wink:
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Post by RobBruce »

Giles wrote: Firstly what I learnt on Wednesday was very much based upon exactly what does happen in the real world.

Re-visit your post after (if) you've attended what I attended. This wasn't an advanced driving course, dealing with how many times you need to look over your shoulder before you maneuver. What I learn't about was observation, anticipation and understanding what your surroundings are telling you. The emphasis was on safety. Just simple stuff like what different signs are telling us; why lampposts are positioned on certain sides of the road, what the difference is between A roads marked green and those marked in red on maps and therefore the potential impact on you the driver; what the broken lines at t-junctions actually mean; accident statistics comparing Motorways, A roads and incidents in towns; the (huge) difference between stopping distances at 70mph & 90mph etc etc - these few examples were eye opening facts not techniques that could be called 'plain silly'.
Just returned from Spokey's Dogging Run and I spent a fair bit of it up behind Giles in Nemesis. (On the road, I hasten to add).

Giles' driving HAS improved. His vision was better than before, he showed more restraint and his observation of road conditions was excellent. And it was bloody fast in places.

This is what doing the Advanced Test etc is all about. Makes you safer as well as quicker. So before dissing the idea of such courses, try one or two. You may be surprised at what you learn.

Well done mate. See you at the next one.


Rob
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Post by garyw »

RobBruce wrote:before dissing the idea of such courses, try one or two. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Hopefully I will be surprised, As previously said, I am booked in for a course, so in a good place suck either suck eggs and/or give comparison's.
:rtm:
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Post by RobBruce »

garyw wrote: Hopefully I will be surprised, As previously said, I am booked in for a course, so in a good place suck either suck eggs and/or give comparison's.
:rtm:
Best of luck mate. I hope you get good instructors, cos that can make all the difference.

If you don't book yourself on Spokeys "Return of the Dog" run and we'll see if we can help :wink:


Rob
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Post by mikey j »

Why don't we ban poor people from driving....

Only allow quality cars allowed on the roads.. :mrgreen:
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Post by spokey »

RobBruce wrote:Just returned from Spokey's Dogging Run and I spent a fair bit of it up behind Giles in Nemesis. (On the road, I hasten to add).
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I was wondering why Sissy was going backwards and forwards so much!

Doesn't Larri have something to say, or was she also "going to the dogs"?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
RobBruce wrote:Giles' driving HAS improved. His vision was better than before, he showed more restraint and his observation of road conditions was excellent. And it was bloody fast in places.
Hopefully it was fast in the right places, and slow in the places where it was better to be slow?
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Post by garyw »

mikey j wrote:Why don't we ban poor people from driving....

Only allow quality cars allowed on the roads.. :mrgreen:
We are, its called fuel tax.. :head:
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Post by 'MC' MarkC »

Surj wrote:I drive between 75-85 on the Mway, ALWAYS move over to the left when possible and I do undertake if reqd. I also invariably drive thru villages at 30-35mph which infuriates the plonkers behind me who drive at a constant 50mph in the countryside whether they are in a village or not :head:
Likewise. Which makes it all the more fun when you leave them for dead as you pass the black&white circle :twisted:

I think that with ownership of a properly quick car comes a certain level of responsibilty. I have felt this since I acquired the E36 M3 about 3 years ago, in a way that I hadn't done before (I was way too immature when I had my M535i 11yrs ago and after only 2 years with a full licience).
I drove the old 309SRi I had like I stole it, and would probably do so again if I had one now. Although the fact that I paid £350 for it may have some bearing on the reasons for why that is so.

I also have a firm belief that prior to holding a provisional car licience, everybody should have to learn to ride a motorcycle first. I spent 5 years commuting in & out of London during rush-hour, and the experience was invaluable. The lessons learnt in predicting/anticipating and overall awareness of surroundings would make a huge difference in driving standards, as well as making drivers far more considerate. Although much of my learning during that time has probably faded now, I am sure that it still has a positive impact on my driving today.
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Post by ZZZEMMCO »

:) The best method of learning is by experience, be it personal or instruction.From a Push bike , to an Rac/Acu M/Cycle scheme , to many on Road Instruction & on track performance courses , with some skidpan days as well.

Rare opportunities to drive the Autobahns in warp mode for 25+ yrs, make one appreciate, that there are far more aware drivers in Europe, than the Autopilots , in UK. So why do UK drivers seem reluctant to improve their skills and experience.??.

For those that have wished to improve their skills, and taken a free assessment drive, realisation that one Can learn new skills and driving can be as interesting as it once was, can come as a pleasant surprise.
In the ever congested conditions of to-day, with declining driver standards, YOU are able to increase your safety, as well as your family.
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Alfie
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Post by Alfie »

Fascinating thread!

One to add to the original topic.....(based on UK roads, driving on the left!)
Those who indicate left on a roundabout and then carry on going round!
How dangerous is that?
And it happens so frequently. What can these people be thinking? Are they really that stupid, or are they simply trying to get me to pull out in front of them so they can claim a new car on my insurance?

The rule is: (not intended as a quote) start indicating left when you've passed the previous exit to the one you want to take. Logical.

On the subject of advanced training, I got the IAM book a while ago and read it cover to cover. I didn't get the feeling that I really learnt much from the book, but it did put into words many things that seem like second nature to me as an experienced driver, and I'm sure this would apply to most of us. I have every intention of taking an assessment / test at some time soon, but I just haven't got round to organising it yet. From this thread, it seems I might be in for a few surprises!

I'd especially like to do some skid pan training. Any suggestions?

Incidentally, I also bought a copy of the latest Highway Code and read it front to back for the first time since taking my driving test all those years ago. It proved to me that although some facts and figures might have been updated, the British rules of the road are still completely logical and based entirely on common sense.....(obviously, that's with the exception of some speed limits being set too low, but that's not a problem with the Highway Code).

To me, this means that I can rely pretty much on my experience and common sense to ensure that I am obeying the rules at all times, and I AM in a position to criticise other road users who behave with total incompetence!

High Horse?
Me?
Never!

Cheers!
Alfie.
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Re: Circles.

Post by RobBruce »

Alfie wrote: On the subject of advanced training, I got the IAM book a while ago and read it cover to cover. I didn't get the feeling that I really learnt much from the book, but it did put into words many things that seem like second nature to me as an experienced driver, and I'm sure this would apply to most of us. I have every intention of taking an assessment / test at some time soon, but I just haven't got round to organising it yet. From this thread, it seems I might be in for a few surprises!
You wanna try reading "Roadcraft"! :head:

It's a bit like learning to fly a Jumbo Jet just by reading the manual......... :rtm: :shock:
You get the general idea, but you need someone to show you!

You know who to call :mrgreen:


Rob

PS Where's the Herts Blast photos??
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Re: Circles.

Post by 'MC' MarkC »

RobBruce wrote:[You know who to call :mrgreen:
GHOSTBUSTERS :!: :wink:
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Re: Circles.

Post by RobBruce »

mbmwx wrote:
RobBruce wrote:[You know who to call :mrgreen:
GHOSTBUSTERS :!: :wink:
:head:

I just KNEW someone would say that!! :lol:
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Post by Gazza »

I thought this thread was worth reviving, a good read and some excellent comments.

Gazza.
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Post by PVR »

Hasn't Rob been replaced by a Gatso now? :D
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Post by spokey »

PVR wrote:Hasn't Rob been replaced by a Gatso now? :D
They can't do that! There isn't a Gatso that can eat donuts yet! :twisted:
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Post by pingu »

spokey wrote:
PVR wrote:Hasn't Rob been replaced by a Gatso now? :D
They can't do that! There isn't a Gatso that can eat donuts yet! :twisted:
I was in the polis station yesterday with my son and a young PC walked in with a clear Asda bag full of crisps and donuts. We just looked at each other and couldn't hold back the smiles and the visions of Homer S :D .
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Post by road2ruin »

Having read through the thread I agree with most but no one seems to have touched on my own personal pet hate.....

People who cannot join a A road / Motorway properly! They come down the slip road and flat refuse to look at the lane they are joining until the very last minute.....generally results in them having to actually stop at the end of the slip road with traffice building up behind....

Instead of gauging traffic speed and joining the inside lane at 40mph or whatever the speed is.....they end up having to a standing start and speed up to whatever without interfering with anyone....never works and is very annoying....
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Post by Kipper »

great thread - as I don't drive on the motorway and most of these posts seem to refer to m way driving ( Jersey has no motorways )

my gripe is where in dual lane traffic with one lane for straight on the the right hand lane for turning right, idiots shoot up the right hand lane intending to overtake you to get in lane at the last minute.

I'm afraid this is one of the few situations where I blatently break the law, I keep pace with them going just fast enough so they can't get in, forcing them either to take the wrong route or slow down to slot in behind me.

You need a fast car for this but the look on their faces is priceless.

The perpetrators are most often kids in hot hatches or overweight builders in Range Rovers - neither of whom can understand how they can't overtake a Volvo.

When I do drive on the M way it's the tw*ts who won't allow you to maintain a safe distance from the car in front and insist on pulling into your safe stopping zone.

Last one - those kids on 50cc mopeds who ride 1 centimetre from your rear bumper and overtake everything only to hold you up at a junction. I also object to them overtaking me and stealing my place in the queue, effectively making me wait longer to get out of a junction.
Jaz
Joined: Sat 01 Jul, 2006 06:24
Posts: 21

  Z4 M roadster
Location: Howden

Post by Jaz »

What we all have to remember here is that this is 'driving' observed by 'Zedders'. Whilst I would never dare to suggest that we are more likely to experience other drivers worst habits, I swap between vehicles on a regular basis and for some strange reason, I always see the worst possible reactions to my presence on the road when behind the wheel of my highly polished Z4....or am I paranoid?
brenmona
Joined: Thu 26 Oct, 2006 22:03
Posts: 30

  M coupe S54
Location: Medway

Post by brenmona »

what does my head in about driving

People that dont indicate when changing lane

People that dont indicate when turning off a roundabout

People that only use lane 2 on the motorway regardless (middle lane morons)

people that sit in lane 3 at 70 MPH and get annoyed when you flash them to pull into lane 2 because there is at least a 20 second gap there

people that dont indicate when pulling onto a motrway ( dont know why that bugs me because they cant really go anywhere else, but it does)

Van drivers in lane 3, they should be banned :-)

Middle lane morons again

People that when they realise they have made a mistake ie pulled out in front of you, acknowledge they have made a mistake and not just stick there fingers up at you

People that park and take up 2 spaces

Lorries that just have to overtake other lorry doing an extra .002 MPH on a dual carriageway

people that are turning right in 10 miles that have to sit in the outside lane for the whole 10 miles and wont pull over

people that leave it until the last 10 yards before pulling into the inside lane to turn off a motorway (usually a middle lane moron who has woken up)

I can think of more, but I do feel better now, thankyou :-)
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BimBeema
Joined: Sun 16 Oct, 2005 22:55
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  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: London

Post by BimBeema »

Interesting thread - my pets hates as far as other people's driving habits are very similar to what others have mentioned:

1) Outside lane hoggers - these tend to either be old folk (sorry if I'm being ageist in this PC extremist world of today) or women drivers (again sorry if I'm being sexist) for goodness sake - if they wanna do 50 - move over! I was having this conversation with the missus on a recent drive out on the motorway and she told me it wasn't just women and old folk hogging outside lane - so we decided to test the theory - on our 2 hour trip we got stuck behind a handful of people on the outside lane for various periods and each and everytime they were either women drivers or old folk! I'm with the others on this - there should a minimum speed limit of 70 - 80 on outside lane which is only not applicable if there is traffic or congestion. I believe you can get failed in your driving test for not keeping up with the speed of traffic, so why do these people think they can come on the outside lane and then do 50 and hold everyone up!

2) Lorry's on motorways and single and dual carriage ways - I hate it when they come out on the outside lane and again hog the lane. They can not possibly keep up with the smaller cars, yet they insist on coming out to this lane and blocking everyone. Or tjose that want to over take another lorry, then take about 20 mins to do it as they build up speed, pull out to the middle or outsidelane, then spend 10 mins driving side by side with the lorry they want to over take, hence causing a tailback before eventually pulling back into slow lane - why can't we just have a rule that says lorries and heavy goods vehicles MUST KEEP to slow lane at all times unless taking a right turn or something!

3) Drivers who drive very slowly either in middle lane or outside lane causing you to overtake - this also happends on normal roads by the way, but as soon as they see that you want to overtake, they put their foot down and try to close the gap in front of them to either make it difficult for you to overtake or to stop you from overtaking them all together - what is WRONG with these people? if you don't want me to overtake, then keep up with speed and traffic but if you want to drive slowly, fine, but then why are you being a t*at when I'm trying to overtake you - their actions are stupid and dangerous and can cause an accident and potential injury or death!!

My other pet hate is about our general roads partiuclarly in London, is the number of traffic lights we have, it seems you can't drive more than a few yards before coming across a traffic light, then a few yards more there is another one and so on - basically stemming normal flow of traffic and causing tail backs and gridlocks meaning a 10 mile journey into London which should take no more than 20 mins max take about 2 hours! its a farce and is I believe a clear conspiracy to make driving so unbearable in London to force people into using public transport (all part of a wider scheme that involves congestion charging, GATSO's, high fuel prices, poor state of roads, etc). Call me cynical if you like but a recent report highlighted our roads (particularly London) to be the worse in Europe in terms of tail backs, traffic congestion and gridlocks despite the congestion charge that was introduced to reduce this exact problem. Last night a 5 mile journey into my local town centre to pick something up and return home took nearly 2 hours, when it should have been 15 mins there and back! :head: :head:

:end of rant:
greg_ch
Joined: Tue 30 Mar, 2004 13:38
Posts: 636

  Z4 M roadster
Location: Zug, Switzerland

Post by greg_ch »

People who don't use their rear-view mirror when pulling out on Autobahns.
Lazeodoom
Joined: Fri 17 Aug, 2007 15:57
Posts: 262

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Birmingham

Post by Lazeodoom »

Drinky drivers anyone?
Uninsured drivers?
Or when the above say "Why aren't you out catching real criminals?"
321bhp
Joined: Mon 01 Dec, 2003 19:34
Posts: 2516

  Not specified
Location: essex

Post by 321bhp »

just volvo estate drivers,they are all going slow,ive heard a rumour that when you buy your volvo estate you can get 3rd 4th and 5th gear taking out as an option,its obvious they all take this option up :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head: :head:
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Giles
Joined: Fri 10 Oct, 2003 17:51
Posts: 2287

  Not specified

Post by Giles »

Please call me dumb, but reading some of the above diatribe really does make me hope I never come across any of lot of you lot on the road. Especially brenmona Image
Andythescientist
Joined: Fri 13 Jun, 2008 11:00
Posts: 6

  Z4 roadster 2.0i
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Post by Andythescientist »

My pet hates for motorway driving are (baring in mind up north the A1 for example is 2 lane for crazy amounts of the time).


1) People in the inside lane doing 45, causing lorries to overtake them, which then causes a knock on effect of causing a log jam as a lorry struggles past a car doing 45 at about 60, so that's 2 lanes blocked at around 65mph.

IMO like many european countries motorways should have a minimum speed, if the traffic is clear. It should be an offence to trundle along a motorway.

2) If i'm in a que of traffic in the outside lane.. i always leave ample room with the car infront (tailgaters are the devils spawn), as such i hate people who dive in my space. I've left that space for a reason!

3) I hate van drivers who tailgate more than anything in the world. Do they have any chance what so ever of stopping that lumbering van in an emergency when they have it flat out at 80!

4) Is it about time cars were graded? Is anyone going to argue that the 1.1L fiesta doing 70 with the foot to the floor, is anywhere near as safe as a modern BM doing 80? I can't be the only person that thinks it odd that the german autobahns have a better safety record than the UK where our speed limit was established in 1974. How much have cars changed since 1974?
BenZ3-2.0
Joined: Mon 02 Oct, 2006 14:42
Posts: 430

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Bedford

Post by BenZ3-2.0 »

Drivers who are generally incompetent but have no idea of whats going on around them or the implications of the driving.

Mum (or Dads) concentrating more on shouting at teh kids than driving.
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dutch
Joined: Tue 15 May, 2007 20:21
Posts: 27

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Thurrock

Post by dutch »

very interesting thread !

my pet hates,
when the road is filtered into one lane, how come the brain surgeon does'nt see the LANE CLOSED 800YRDs AHEAD, 600,400.200.yes keep going you will squeeze in at the last two foot and stop everyone else!

2. thinkdicactors why can't people use them properly! :evil:
PVR
Z Register member
Joined: Wed 12 Nov, 2003 19:09
Posts: 814

  Z4 M roadster
Location: Worth

Post by PVR »

Highway code states to use available roadspace. Why create a traffic jam 3 miles down the road when only using 1 out of the 2 available lanes?
henrycrun
Joined: Wed 18 Apr, 2007 19:48
Posts: 522

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Ely

Post by henrycrun »

I think its time to make indicating mandatory on UK motorways
Any comments from European readers welcome
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Indicate

Post by Guest »

The problem is that most Brits think indicating gives them right to do whatever they want. When someone pulls out as a faster car overtakes, it will be 'Didn't you see my signal?'

It would be like motorcyclists using dipped (or main) beam all the time - they think it is a protective force field.

Thank God I live in France!
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RobBruce
Joined: Tue 09 Mar, 2004 20:57
Posts: 1077

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Behind you in West Essex

Resurrected?

Post by RobBruce »

This was a really interesting thread.

We've had loads of new members since - time to resurrect it and get some more opinions! :D
Last edited by RobBruce on Thu 20 Aug, 2009 17:32, edited 1 time in total.
In God We Trust - everyone else gets PNC'd.
z3Dave
Joined: Sun 20 Apr, 2008 11:52
Posts: 143

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Chester

Post by z3Dave »

I cant stand people who have there fogs on, when its not foggy!?

Esp, higher 4x4s who think i like guessing which way the road goes!

I always flash mine at them when see them.
jollyassassin
Joined: Wed 08 Oct, 2008 17:27
Posts: 176

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Warrington

Post by jollyassassin »

THE MIDDLE LANE OWNERS CLUB :head: :head:
Seriously im on the motorway in the inside lane doing 60 & am approaching a lifetime member of the above club, what do i do (a) stay in my lane & undertake him or (b) move across two lanes to overtake then back across two lanes to where i started? I know what i should do but it isnt what i always do (policeman reading this) Ok it is what i always do. :D :D :D
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