Discussion
karma mechanic said:
I suspect that much of the reason is that NSL roads don't have a 60 sign. Now I know that NSL is more complicated than that due to different classes of road and of vehicle, but the vast majority of 40-everywhere drivers are in cars. They are in a numbered limit, then there is a mysterious black and white sign with no comforting numbers on it. Does it mean watch out for black bars? 45-degree slopes? It may mean nothing, or it may mean that's your lot for speed limit signs for a while so carry on based on the last one you remember.
This is what I think as well. They don't actually know the speed limit and 40mph works for them. Slow enough to drop to 30 in an emergency (like a speed camera). Selfish f
s.Hackney said:
Maybe the people who flash their lights think you have a problem knowing where the rear of your car ends, so they're flashing you to let you know you're fully passed.
After all that's what lorries do on the motorway isn't it?
Hmmmm. A HGV is 4-5 times the length of a car and no rear visibility. The 40mph flashers tend to use a lengthy or multiple flash, or just leave their high beams on in an attempt to antagonise.After all that's what lorries do on the motorway isn't it?
I think these SARP types assume everyone else is as blind and incompetent as they are, so feel the need to show their contempt at someone wanting to make progress.
karma mechanic said:
I suspect that much of the reason is that NSL roads don't have a 60 sign. Now I know that NSL is more complicated than that due to different classes of road and of vehicle, but the vast majority of 40-everywhere drivers are in cars. They are in a numbered limit, then there is a mysterious black and white sign with no comforting numbers on it. Does it mean watch out for black bars? 45-degree slopes? It may mean nothing, or it may mean that's your lot for speed limit signs for a while so carry on based on the last one you remember.
Recently attended a 'speed awareness course'. It's supprised me how many people actually believe NSL is 40 or 50 on roads where it's 60. J4CKO said:
OP obviously hit 88 mph when overtaking the 40 mph dawdler, only rational explanation.
He also has access to 1.21 gigawatts. Great Scott! Despite not being able to enjoy them due to the numpties mentioned, at least OP still has some NSL roads to drive on. They are all 50 round here now
SpudLink said:
karma mechanic said:
I suspect that much of the reason is that NSL roads don't have a 60 sign. Now I know that NSL is more complicated than that due to different classes of road and of vehicle, but the vast majority of 40-everywhere drivers are in cars. They are in a numbered limit, then there is a mysterious black and white sign with no comforting numbers on it. Does it mean watch out for black bars? 45-degree slopes? It may mean nothing, or it may mean that's your lot for speed limit signs for a while so carry on based on the last one you remember.
Recently attended a 'speed awareness course'. It's supprised me how many people actually believe NSL is 40 or 50 on roads where it's 60. 8potdave said:
Ok, I need to get this rant off my chest and Pistonheads has to be the perfect place.
What is this countries fking obsession with 40mph??? I only have a short commute to work (15 miles) but most of it is nice flowing A roads with a NSL on them. However, enjoying them is just impossible because it seems EVERYONE wants to do 40! Not 50, not 45 but 40.... everywhere! Most of these cretins carry on at 40 through the villages, past schools, in the snow, dark, light, etc. It seems whatever the condition, whatever the road, 40mph is the chosen speed by 90% of the 'people' I share these roads with. Now, if everyone is happy doing 40, why the need for a car? A moped will do 40 and cost a lot less to run. Furthermore, mopeds are easier to pass! A pushbike isn't far off this speed and you can actually keep fit as well, so why not buy one of them? You can even save the planet at the same time if that's your thing.
I know someone will be along in a minute to tell me it's a limit not a target and all that bullst, but come on if you can't drive at 60mph on a clear, open road and then slow down to 30mph through a village you should have your driven license taken away and dropped in a vat of acid.
To add insult to injury, some of these halfwits think 40mph must be the speed limit, because if I overtake them they flash their headlights. I didn't realise it was the new speed limit and also illegal to overtake them?
I'm feeling annoyed writing this and I'm also sure someone will tell me to calm down and I will only save 2 minutes by sitting behind them but why can't someone tell THEM they will gain 5-10 minutes by driving properly? It's not about that anyway for me, I enjoy driving,otorists I enjoy a nice smooth flowing drive. Following a line of nuggets at 40mph who still feel the need to brake on every bend is not smooth and not enjoyable. Just be better!
I think that your chest area is now somewhat lighter.What is this countries f
king obsession with 40mph??? I only have a short commute to work (15 miles) but most of it is nice flowing A roads with a NSL on them. However, enjoying them is just impossible because it seems EVERYONE wants to do 40! Not 50, not 45 but 40.... everywhere! Most of these cretins carry on at 40 through the villages, past schools, in the snow, dark, light, etc. It seems whatever the condition, whatever the road, 40mph is the chosen speed by 90% of the 'people' I share these roads with. Now, if everyone is happy doing 40, why the need for a car? A moped will do 40 and cost a lot less to run. Furthermore, mopeds are easier to pass! A pushbike isn't far off this speed and you can actually keep fit as well, so why not buy one of them? You can even save the planet at the same time if that's your thing.I know someone will be along in a minute to tell me it's a limit not a target and all that bulls
t, but come on if you can't drive at 60mph on a clear, open road and then slow down to 30mph through a village you should have your driven license taken away and dropped in a vat of acid. To add insult to injury, some of these halfwits think 40mph must be the speed limit, because if I overtake them they flash their headlights. I didn't realise it was the new speed limit and also illegal to overtake them?
I'm feeling annoyed writing this and I'm also sure someone will tell me to calm down and I will only save 2 minutes by sitting behind them but why can't someone tell THEM they will gain 5-10 minutes by driving properly? It's not about that anyway for me, I enjoy driving,otorists I enjoy a nice smooth flowing drive. Following a line of nuggets at 40mph who still feel the need to brake on every bend is not smooth and not enjoyable. Just be better!
First things first. Not every driver wants to charge about at the speed limit, whatever that may be. That includes me.
I'm not talking tortoise speed either. When a driver decides to travel a little slower, he should be allowed to do so and not be harrassed by following motorists.
You say yourself that you lose only a matter of minutes on a journey when you are 'Following a line of nuggets at 40mph', so just go with it, take a deep breath, listen to Ludwig, you will be a more relaxed and less irritated driver.
As for 'Flashing' after an overtake, consider the following:
While waiting to overtake have you been tailgating?
Following the O/T did you cut in a bit sharper than is acceptable?
Did you gesticulate to the 'slower driver?
Have you completed an O/T and then sat close to vehicle you have overtaken?
I mention these because they are the subject of many posts on the 'Knob' thread, and could well result in a
'Flash'. It is not something I would advocate, but if you read the aforementioned thread you will discover plenty that would.
Finally, If I happen to be driving at what you would call 'Cretin speed' I always leave a gap big enough for an O/T when safe to do so.
Must go now as my sock drawer awaits.
missingman said:
Like many on here I've been driving for well over 30 years. My opinion on things is:
1 - Over the last 10 years, standards of driving have dropped dramatically.
2 - Over that same period, drivers have become more aggresive and considerably less aware of other road users.
3 - Ladies continue to be considerably less predictable when driving than men. Just my opinion, others will disagree for sure.
With this whole "slow driving" thing though I think there's a genuine fear about being caught speeding. People just play things very safe. Having an accident of any kind has also become astonishingly tedious and expensive.
I've 'only' been driving 17 years, but I'd agree on every single point, especially point 1, I thought it was just me.1 - Over the last 10 years, standards of driving have dropped dramatically.
2 - Over that same period, drivers have become more aggresive and considerably less aware of other road users.
3 - Ladies continue to be considerably less predictable when driving than men. Just my opinion, others will disagree for sure.
With this whole "slow driving" thing though I think there's a genuine fear about being caught speeding. People just play things very safe. Having an accident of any kind has also become astonishingly tedious and expensive.
robinessex said:
When I went on such a course, I was staggered by the amazing ignorance of virtually all over the attendees on almost all motoring nuance and driving knowledge. Even the lecturer seemed shocked.
A NSL road with a fixed speed camera on it tells you exactly what people think the limit is, there is one near me, seems most people think it's around 40 whenever I follow them through it.SuperchargedVR6 said:
AH33 said:
I cant handle the lights flashing after an overtake, I have to try and find out what their issue is, I cant just leave it.
I like the ones who aren't satisfied with a quick flash after being overtaken. No, these special sorts pursue me as quickly as possible to continue the flashing and gesticulation assault, 3" off my bumper.They were perfectly happy to dribble around corners and meander along at 40 just prior to the overtake. F'ckin oddballs.
As you say, if you try and stop these people to see what their problem is, they usually speed off with nothing to say. F'ckin oddballs.
Nice to see I'm not on my own here then, I thought I was getting grumpy in my old age 
There's only one that insists driving at 40 in a 60 is fine. It should be made compulsory that these dimwits have to read this thread before taking to the road again!
Another thing that really winds me up is that when we have snow, they are the same people sat on your bumper still wanting to do 40! Do people not understand how grip works?
It's all well and good saying that people don't have to do the speed limit but where do we draw the line? 40? 30? 20? 10? Should we all just drive at walking pace because the speed limit isn't a target?
There's only one that insists driving at 40 in a 60 is fine. It should be made compulsory that these dimwits have to read this thread before taking to the road again!
Another thing that really winds me up is that when we have snow, they are the same people sat on your bumper still wanting to do 40! Do people not understand how grip works?
It's all well and good saying that people don't have to do the speed limit but where do we draw the line? 40? 30? 20? 10? Should we all just drive at walking pace because the speed limit isn't a target?
I feel for the OP. I live in the sticks and there are three main routes I take away from my house. Each of them are the same - brilliant roads if empty, mix of NSL and 30/40, with a couple of safe overtaking spots for slower traffic.
About 18 months ago I was very lucky and managed to blag a Ferrari for the weekend. Behind some asshat doing 50 on a near arrow straight piece of road (with over half a mile visibility ahead, and fields all round so no danger of deers jumping out etc etc) - I pulled out and past him, executed a text book safe overtake. I doubt I even went much over the speed limit doing it. Pulled back in, reduced to the NSL. A mile down the road, it becomes a 40. I slow to 40, suddenly captain big bks is right behind me. It really does get me. I wouldn't mind people doing 40 in NSL if they slowed to 20 or 30 for those speed limits - but it's the continuation of this one speed, unaffected by road conditions, that really gets me.
Possibly the only people who frustrate me more are those driving at 15mph (no exaggeration) after we have had the lightest dusting of snow, and then braking for corners. IF you're that petrified of the roads, you shouldn't be on them - simple.
About 18 months ago I was very lucky and managed to blag a Ferrari for the weekend. Behind some asshat doing 50 on a near arrow straight piece of road (with over half a mile visibility ahead, and fields all round so no danger of deers jumping out etc etc) - I pulled out and past him, executed a text book safe overtake. I doubt I even went much over the speed limit doing it. Pulled back in, reduced to the NSL. A mile down the road, it becomes a 40. I slow to 40, suddenly captain big b
ks is right behind me. It really does get me. I wouldn't mind people doing 40 in NSL if they slowed to 20 or 30 for those speed limits - but it's the continuation of this one speed, unaffected by road conditions, that really gets me.Possibly the only people who frustrate me more are those driving at 15mph (no exaggeration) after we have had the lightest dusting of snow, and then braking for corners. IF you're that petrified of the roads, you shouldn't be on them - simple.
OP, I see your <insert name of county> and raise you Norfolk!
I heave a sigh of relief when I get out of there and onto the M11! there are lots of excellent roads, but everyone who lives there seems to think that 40 is enough, even my sister (who lives there but used to live elsewhere) who's 62 and drives a Polo gets frustrated by how slow they are!
I heave a sigh of relief when I get out of there and onto the M11! there are lots of excellent roads, but everyone who lives there seems to think that 40 is enough, even my sister (who lives there but used to live elsewhere) who's 62 and drives a Polo gets frustrated by how slow they are!
john2443 said:
OP, I see your <insert name of county> and raise you Norfolk!
I heave a sigh of relief when I get out of there and onto the M11! there are lots of excellent roads, but everyone who lives there seems to think that 40 is enough, even my sister (who lives there but used to live elsewhere) who's 62 and drives a Polo gets frustrated by how slow they are!
My grandparents (well, Grandfather) live in March. Technically Cambridgeshire but displays the same traits you are referring to I am sure. Not helped by lorries, farm traffic and the inexplicable decision to build narrow one-lane-each-way roads when there is masses of room.I heave a sigh of relief when I get out of there and onto the M11! there are lots of excellent roads, but everyone who lives there seems to think that 40 is enough, even my sister (who lives there but used to live elsewhere) who's 62 and drives a Polo gets frustrated by how slow they are!
DavidJG said:
AH33 said:
I cant handle the lights flashing after an overtake, I have to try and find out what their issue is, I cant just leave it.
They're just saying thank you for a nicely executed overtake. At least that's what I always assume it means 
Vipers said:
DavidJG said:
AH33 said:
I cant handle the lights flashing after an overtake, I have to try and find out what their issue is, I cant just leave it.
They're just saying thank you for a nicely executed overtake. At least that's what I always assume it means Wind down the window and give them a thumbs up. That'll really wind them up.
SpudLink said:
Recently attended a 'speed awareness course'. It's supprised me how many people actually believe NSL is 40 or 50 on roads where it's 60.
- Shows picture of a dual carriageway that only has 1 lane on each carriageway.. "Whats the speed limit on this road?""40?!"
"50?!"
"30?!"
Alex_225 said:
It's the continuation of the 40mph through a 30 that staggers me. Quite clearly paying zero attention to speed limits, just blinkered driving and clearly not
If someone doesn't do more than 40mph on an open stretch of national speed limit, then I'll overtake. If they don't like it, tough s**t! If they flash me, well they're the morons and probably wonder why everyone is a 'maniac'. Should be asking themselves a few questions.
I'm firmly in this camp as well... I don't mind people doing 30/40 in a NSL as such, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Where I live, the roads are narrow and windy and bumpy and slippery, and not everyone is familiar with them. People might have a car full of crystal chandeliers or dinosaur eggs or a sore leg or something. I just over take at the appropriate time. And if they have a problem with me overtaking, I hope their crystal chandelier gets Del Trottered. If someone doesn't do more than 40mph on an open stretch of national speed limit, then I'll overtake. If they don't like it, tough s**t! If they flash me, well they're the morons and probably wonder why everyone is a 'maniac'. Should be asking themselves a few questions.
It's when the 40mph crew decide to proceed at the same speed rolling through blind corners in the village in a 30mph limit with complete disregard to the surroundings or what speed limit it is! That really gets me.
There does appear to be more and more people who take offence at someone going faster than them though - definitely a rise over the last few years!
What's beyond me is why would anyone want to travel 40 in a 60?? Sure it's only a few minutes to your journey, but that soon adds up. If you're stuck behind someone like this to and from work, you'll have lost a precious hour in no time! I can't stand this sort of driving and often overtake at any opportunity as I am not going to waste my time. The joys of having a fast (ish) car!!
Overtaking on a dual carriage way at 1mph faster than the car in the left hand lane really winds me up too. Just fking accelerate and get this done so we can all carry on going about our day. It is obviously people from the tight as two coats of paint 50+ MPG brigade!
Overtaking on a dual carriage way at 1mph faster than the car in the left hand lane really winds me up too. Just f
king accelerate and get this done so we can all carry on going about our day. It is obviously people from the tight as two coats of paint 50+ MPG brigade!Ah yes the 40mph brigade. As well as the flash once you've overtaken, do you ever get those who speed up? That's what boils my ****. You can be behind them for miles doing 40, then you get an opportunity to pass and they either speed up at that very point, or once you're past and up to the NSL they magically realise that they can indeed match your speed and keep up with you... sometimes even getting a little too close to your rear end, perhaps in annoyance that you overtook them in the first place.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff