Standard of driving in NI
Discussion
Oldandslow said:
According to the HC, 2 abreast is the limit, 3 or 4 not allowed. 2 abreast only on roads with good visibility and no traffic. So basically they're t
ts who think that putting on a bit of lycra makes them Bradley Wiggins and they're in the TdeF peleton.
Most of them can't seem to grasp how vulnerable it makes them, some actually think it's safer.
Two abreast on a country road is a bad idea but round the city, where there are commonly a pair of lanes, I encourage people I'm psycling with to ride two abreast so that morons who don't know the width of their vehicle don't try to squeeze between you and the car to their O/S; you KNOW who'll sustain the most injury if there's an "RTC"...ts who think that putting on a bit of lycra makes them Bradley Wiggins and they're in the TdeF peleton.Most of them can't seem to grasp how vulnerable it makes them, some actually think it's safer.
Just this morning, I was coming down the M2 and came to the shore road onslip. I was in lane 2 (moved over to let cars coming onto the M2 into L1) and the car in front of me in lane 1 indicated to move into my lane. I slowed up, let them in and they waved thanks. Evidently they were looking to get onto the M5 and indicated to get into lane 3 and had started the maneuver to do that when a silvery-blue passat steamed past me and nearly collided with the car in front of me. Cue horns, fingers, mouth swear words etc, there was really no need. Ok maybe the car in front was partially to blame but when we're doing 40-50mph in heavy traffic and Passat guy is steaming past at 70-80mph, I could see how easy it would be to not see him coming.
Evidently, the economic conditions are hitting audi drivers hard as they seem to have downgraded to Passats now. :/
Evidently, the economic conditions are hitting audi drivers hard as they seem to have downgraded to Passats now. :/
As a cyclist, I often hear the old line about cyclists not obeying red lights. That may be true but they are not a patch on the drivers here. I don't think there has been a day in the last few years in which I failed to see cars happily shooting through red lights like they were advisory signals only. And that's not including those who totally ignore amber lights.
Anyway, today as I travelled along the M3 along the Syndenham bypass I saw another demonstration of toolbag driving. In the stretch between Dee Street and the lights at Tillysburn tt in a Mini (AJZ *2*2) managed to change lanes no less than seven times. Maybe there was a wasp in his car but that kind of weaving is the behaviour of the demented.
Anyway, today as I travelled along the M3 along the Syndenham bypass I saw another demonstration of toolbag driving. In the stretch between Dee Street and the lights at Tillysburn t
t in a Mini (AJZ *2*2) managed to change lanes no less than seven times. Maybe there was a wasp in his car but that kind of weaving is the behaviour of the demented.
JuniorD said:
As a cyclist, I often hear the old line about cyclists not obeying red lights. That may be true but they are not a patch on the drivers here. I don't think there has been a day in the last few years in which I failed to see cars happily shooting through red lights like they were advisory signals only. And that's not including those who totally ignore amber lights.
Yes indeed there are idiots in cars, idiots on bikes, idiots in lorries, idiot pedestrians and idiots on motorbikes. The point is though that whilst being an idiot is never a good idea, it is an even worse idea when you're as vulnerable as you are on your feet/bike/motorbike, or as potentially destructive as you are when driving an HGV. Not condoning car-idiots at all (cars can obviously be fairly destructive), I just think if I was travelling by one of the other options I would be extra careful.The standard of driving has really gone down hill in the past few years. I'm only 32 but have really noticed a difference since i started driving on the road legally (i live on a farm)14 years ago.
Other driver's observation, use of mirrors etc has been the area were i've seen the most change. People no longer use their mirrors or seem to have any idea what is going on around them.
I followed a mini(four up all late teen early twenties girls) for two miles in the RHS lane of the A5 recently - driver never looked in her rear view mirror once in the two miles and was completely surprised when i undertook her whilst giving her the look of death - see pulled across as soon as i was clear!
Drivers don't seem to realize that oncoming cars are on the other side of the road and slam on the brakes as the other car approaches - this really annoys me and they usually get the main beams every time they hit the brakes
40mph seems to be the new 60mph! If the road is clear, weather conditions are good, you aren't an R plater or towing a trailer i expect you to drive at 60mph (or as close to it as the road conditions allow)not dawdle along at 40mph when everyone is trying to get to work etc. if you insist at driving at 40mph leave a gap in front to the car in front so a slow moving convoy does not form - the number of mornings i've overtaken 10-12 cars on a 10 mile journey to work on B roads is far to numerous to count!!
Other driver's observation, use of mirrors etc has been the area were i've seen the most change. People no longer use their mirrors or seem to have any idea what is going on around them.
I followed a mini(four up all late teen early twenties girls) for two miles in the RHS lane of the A5 recently - driver never looked in her rear view mirror once in the two miles and was completely surprised when i undertook her whilst giving her the look of death - see pulled across as soon as i was clear!
Drivers don't seem to realize that oncoming cars are on the other side of the road and slam on the brakes as the other car approaches - this really annoys me and they usually get the main beams every time they hit the brakes
40mph seems to be the new 60mph! If the road is clear, weather conditions are good, you aren't an R plater or towing a trailer i expect you to drive at 60mph (or as close to it as the road conditions allow)not dawdle along at 40mph when everyone is trying to get to work etc. if you insist at driving at 40mph leave a gap in front to the car in front so a slow moving convoy does not form - the number of mornings i've overtaken 10-12 cars on a 10 mile journey to work on B roads is far to numerous to count!!
To avoid the traffic getting into Moira off the M1 in the evenings, I've taken to going up the airport road and turning left to go the back roads. The standard of driving from most is simply shocking.
Earlier this week I very quickly caught up with Kia ceed. I kid you not, they were taking the full on racing line through every single corner, of which they are all blind! The best part, they never topped 30 in several miles!
I honestly felt like one of those camera cars chasing a drift car, effortlessly keeping up as they go hell for leather.
In the past 2 months I've had to do several full on emergency stops because idiots round the corners in the middle of the road. In 30 zones, with white lines, whilst they're turning left. Yes, left!
Earlier this week I very quickly caught up with Kia ceed. I kid you not, they were taking the full on racing line through every single corner, of which they are all blind! The best part, they never topped 30 in several miles!
I honestly felt like one of those camera cars chasing a drift car, effortlessly keeping up as they go hell for leather.
In the past 2 months I've had to do several full on emergency stops because idiots round the corners in the middle of the road. In 30 zones, with white lines, whilst they're turning left. Yes, left!
Few good rants there! I have noticed yet another spike down in standards, and I think Xmas is to blame. People who rarely drive are dragging their sorry asses out to buy fresh landfill for presents, and seem to think that their task is so vital they can more or less completely ignore everything around them and just batter on. It's very tiring having to constantly preempt the inevitable random lane change/turn off/braking etc.
Most of my rants have been covered already, but here's another one!
How can so many drivers not know the speed limit? For example, outer ring Shaw's Bridge to Forestside is clearly marked 50mph, yet there is a constant stream of cars doing 40, whose drivers glare at anyone overtaking at 50.
Also, the speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70! 70! 70! Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Oh, and here's another one. Please can all the numpties who park in the Clearway on the Lisburn Road every evening READ THE SIGNS!
Finally, why are left turn indicators not fitted to BMW's?
I could go on, but it's time for my medication.
How can so many drivers not know the speed limit? For example, outer ring Shaw's Bridge to Forestside is clearly marked 50mph, yet there is a constant stream of cars doing 40, whose drivers glare at anyone overtaking at 50.
Also, the speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70! 70! 70! Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Oh, and here's another one. Please can all the numpties who park in the Clearway on the Lisburn Road every evening READ THE SIGNS!
Finally, why are left turn indicators not fitted to BMW's?
I could go on, but it's time for my medication.
Ian Lancs said:
Deramore said:
Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Sure they're not staring at you because you're going to Ballymena?Deramore said:
Ian Lancs said:
Deramore said:
Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Sure they're not staring at you because you're going to Ballymena?Deramore said:
Most of my rants have been covered already, but here's another one!
How can so many drivers not know the speed limit? For example, outer ring Shaw's Bridge to Forestside is clearly marked 50mph, yet there is a constant stream of cars doing 40, whose drivers glare at anyone overtaking at 50.
Also, the speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70! 70! 70! Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Oh, and here's another one. Please can all the numpties who park in the Clearway on the Lisburn Road every evening READ THE SIGNS!
Finally, why are left turn indicators not fitted to BMW's?
I could go on, but it's time for my medication.
Speed limits are a maximum, that doesnt mean everyone has to drive at the limit ( or indeed below it at times, more can often be perfectly safe ). And no, dual carriageways are not 70. They have speed signs the same as every other road, and limits will vary depending on vehicle too.How can so many drivers not know the speed limit? For example, outer ring Shaw's Bridge to Forestside is clearly marked 50mph, yet there is a constant stream of cars doing 40, whose drivers glare at anyone overtaking at 50.
Also, the speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70! 70! 70! Please don't stare at me on my way to Ballymena as you crawl along at 60!
Oh, and here's another one. Please can all the numpties who park in the Clearway on the Lisburn Road every evening READ THE SIGNS!
Finally, why are left turn indicators not fitted to BMW's?
I could go on, but it's time for my medication.
Your statement does make it sound like you arent aware of the speed limit. To generically say all dual carriageways are 70...is clear proof of that
Cant say Ive had anyone glaring at me though....maybe it's just something specific to you ?
As for indicators...they just seem to confuse people. Half the time it isnt even worth using them.
stevieturbo said:
Speed limits are a maximum, that doesnt mean everyone has to drive at the limit ( or indeed below it at times, more can often be perfectly safe ). And no, dual carriageways are not 70. They have speed signs the same as every other road, and limits will vary depending on vehicle too.
Your statement does make it sound like you arent aware of the speed limit. To generically say all dual carriageways are 70...is clear proof of that
Cant say Ive had anyone glaring at me though....maybe it's just something specific to you ?
As for indicators...they just seem to confuse people. Half the time it isnt even worth using them.
Dual carriageways are 70 unless otherwise stated!Your statement does make it sound like you arent aware of the speed limit. To generically say all dual carriageways are 70...is clear proof of that
Cant say Ive had anyone glaring at me though....maybe it's just something specific to you ?
As for indicators...they just seem to confuse people. Half the time it isnt even worth using them.
You clearly don't get what everyone on here is trying to say, and don't get me started on your indicators comment!
ohtari said:
Dual carriageways are 70 unless otherwise stated!
You clearly don't get what everyone on here is trying to say, and don't get me started on your indicators comment!
Dual carriageways are ALWAYS signed, so there is no need to make incorrect assumptions as you propose.You clearly don't get what everyone on here is trying to say, and don't get me started on your indicators comment!
You can just see yourself in front of a judge...."Oh I was doing 70 because all dual carriageways are 70, even if I dont see the signage"
And I do get it, but no sense ranting unless there is a legitimate rant !
Edited by stevieturbo on Wednesday 18th December 19:37
stevieturbo said:
Dual carriageways are ALWAYS signed, so there is no need to make incorrect assumptions as you propose.
You can just see yourself in front of a judge...."Oh I was doing 70 because all dual carriageways are 70, even if I dont see the signage"
And I do get it, but no sense ranting unless there is a legitimate rant !
No, dual carriageways are NOT always signed. Like motorways, they will have a "National Speed Limit Applies" sign, a black diagonal on a white background. For motorways and dual carriageways, this is 70mph. Unlike motorways, some dual carriageways may have lower speed limits signed like other roads. If there are no such signs, the speed limit is 70mph. Look it up.You can just see yourself in front of a judge...."Oh I was doing 70 because all dual carriageways are 70, even if I dont see the signage"
And I do get it, but no sense ranting unless there is a legitimate rant !
Edited by stevieturbo on Wednesday 18th December 19:37
The fact that I regularly pass long lines of vehicles doing 60 on unrestricted dual carriageways does indicate that most people seem to think that is the speed limit. On urban dual carriageways signed at 60 or 50, one sees the same drivers in a procession at a steady 40, because they are blind to clear speed limit signs.
stevieturbo said:
ohtari said:
Dual carriageways are 70 unless otherwise stated!
You clearly don't get what everyone on here is trying to say, and don't get me started on your indicators comment!
Dual carriageways are ALWAYS signed, so there is no need to make incorrect assumptions as you propose.You clearly don't get what everyone on here is trying to say, and don't get me started on your indicators comment!
You can just see yourself in front of a judge...."Oh I was doing 70 because all dual carriageways are 70, even if I dont see the signage"
And I do get it, but no sense ranting unless there is a legitimate rant !
Edited by stevieturbo on Wednesday 18th December 19:37
I must need my eyes tested!
ohtari said:
Funny that, because the A4 past Dungannon that I drive to work every day has none. Nadda. Zilch.
I must need my eyes tested!
And as per the last post, you absolutely do need them tested !I must need my eyes tested!
There will always be a sign indicating speeds. There may not always be repeater signs within an NSL limit, but there will always be, and is always signage at the start of any limit change.
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