Driving safely can make you feel...
Discussion
... a right 
, sometimes.
30mph roads, being followed by large 4x4 very closely, no doubt thinking I'm sitting at 30 just to get at them
.
40mph country road coming up - normally would only take it at 30-35 in the dark and wet, but then this car will stay up my bum so I'd have to slow right down for the bends.
So take brain up a gear and car up to 40mph. Gap opens up (
) for a few seconds (
) while 4x4 driver struggles to come out of coma... And then there he is right up my bottom again.
40mph on this road, in the dark and wet, with a car weighing roughly 3 times as much as mine - I didn't fancy my chances of stopping if there was a broken down car or wildlife (lots of deer in the area) around a bend.
So down I go to 30mph which I judged was a sensible speed considering limit points, road conditions, etc.
Cue passenger (and owner of car) telling me off for purposely trying to piss off driver behind, when they live nearby and it is a distinctive car.
Reach 30mph zone after a minute, at which point 4x4 driver decides to be a big man so overtakes and disappears at around 50mph round the next bend.
Cue car behind him overtaking.
And car behind him.
And guess what - yes, car behind him as well.
And me tootling along at 30mph in a car that could whip their bottoms around the local bendy roads with annoyed passenger.
Incidentally, this is precisely the reason I've been hesitating to get an IAM sticker on my car. All other drivers already hate me enough as it is
[/rant mode]
, sometimes.30mph roads, being followed by large 4x4 very closely, no doubt thinking I'm sitting at 30 just to get at them
.40mph country road coming up - normally would only take it at 30-35 in the dark and wet, but then this car will stay up my bum so I'd have to slow right down for the bends.
So take brain up a gear and car up to 40mph. Gap opens up (
) for a few seconds () while 4x4 driver struggles to come out of coma... And then there he is right up my bottom again.40mph on this road, in the dark and wet, with a car weighing roughly 3 times as much as mine - I didn't fancy my chances of stopping if there was a broken down car or wildlife (lots of deer in the area) around a bend.
So down I go to 30mph which I judged was a sensible speed considering limit points, road conditions, etc.
Cue passenger (and owner of car) telling me off for purposely trying to piss off driver behind, when they live nearby and it is a distinctive car.
Reach 30mph zone after a minute, at which point 4x4 driver decides to be a big man so overtakes and disappears at around 50mph round the next bend.
Cue car behind him overtaking.
And car behind him.
And guess what - yes, car behind him as well.
And me tootling along at 30mph in a car that could whip their bottoms around the local bendy roads with annoyed passenger.
Incidentally, this is precisely the reason I've been hesitating to get an IAM sticker on my car. All other drivers already hate me enough as it is
[/rant mode]
Edited by rasputin on Wednesday 6th February 14:49
I get that too, the distinctive car bit and sometimes think the same thing. Lots of people know where the car lives, so logically they know where I am as well. Mine's quite low and the main road out of the village has speed bumps on it that are first gear for me, everyone else takes them at 20 ish, as do I in my normal car.
I try and find somewhere to pull over if there's traffic behind me, as typically they'll sit right on the back bumper and I dont like that they might not be ready to brake when I am. I'm not prepared to boot it away from them to try and open up a gap that they'll only close back up again, rather get them infront so they can disappear off and do whatever it is they need to do in such a hurry
I try and find somewhere to pull over if there's traffic behind me, as typically they'll sit right on the back bumper and I dont like that they might not be ready to brake when I am. I'm not prepared to boot it away from them to try and open up a gap that they'll only close back up again, rather get them infront so they can disappear off and do whatever it is they need to do in such a hurry
I think ive been that annoying driver too, usually though they sit behind when you are avoiding an unobvious to most hazard, like the speed bumps or a bend with a junction after it where you may have to suddenly slow, but when the road opens out and it can be taken at a more brisk pace the tailgaters either really look like they are working hard to keep up or simply fall back as a good drivers cornering and planning ability will always be more effective than a numpty who just thinks fast in a straight line is good.
Had a very similar situation to the 4x4 but it was a guy in an impreza, when I finally decided he was dangerous i came round a corner slowly so he could overtake at the exit, 5 minutes later I came across the same car in a hedge!
Had a very similar situation to the 4x4 but it was a guy in an impreza, when I finally decided he was dangerous i came round a corner slowly so he could overtake at the exit, 5 minutes later I came across the same car in a hedge!
I always have to wonder, when I rant on about this topic 
and am given advice to just pull over... Have you ever (really) tried driving constantly at 30mph on wide, smooth roads with good visibility?
I have a lot to learn yet, but AFAIK when I'm doing 30mph in a straight line I'm not that different to anyone else doing 30mph in a straight line. Does nobody else find that at least 50% of drivers are not happy following you at that speed? If I pulled over every time someone drove too close I'd quite literally never get anywhere.
Passengers (and no doubt other drivers) must think I'm messing around as they are not used to driving as slowly as I sometimes do. Or maybe they are fed up with my schitzophrenic driving - granny mode where needed and bat out of hell with a red hot poker up its bottom on NSL roads where conditions allow
Oh and hi Adam
and am given advice to just pull over... Have you ever (really) tried driving constantly at 30mph on wide, smooth roads with good visibility?I have a lot to learn yet, but AFAIK when I'm doing 30mph in a straight line I'm not that different to anyone else doing 30mph in a straight line. Does nobody else find that at least 50% of drivers are not happy following you at that speed? If I pulled over every time someone drove too close I'd quite literally never get anywhere.
Passengers (and no doubt other drivers) must think I'm messing around as they are not used to driving as slowly as I sometimes do. Or maybe they are fed up with my schitzophrenic driving - granny mode where needed and bat out of hell with a red hot poker up its bottom on NSL roads where conditions allow
Oh and hi Adam
Edited by rasputin on Wednesday 6th February 16:05
It's a pain in the arse out in the sticks, as you invariably end up holding everybody up in the villages (tight, lots of blind spots, tourists and elderly pedestrians) but being held up on the roads between.
Basically 25/60 vs. 44/44 speed incompatibility.
One of the worst bits is getting that "well what the did you overtake me for you muppet?" glare from a following driver if they catch you up.
Basically 25/60 vs. 44/44 speed incompatibility.
One of the worst bits is getting that "well what the
did you overtake me for you muppet?" glare from a following driver if they catch you up.Hi Ras,
The problem is not the speed, it is the tailgating.
If it is that bad and dangerous, pull over.
If it is a big clear straight road and they are that dangerously close, pull over.
If it is a built up area, lots of hazards and they are that dangerously close, pull over.
Be above the usual mentality of this is my road, I am doing the limit. They can all get stuffed and so on.
I would agree with chris_w666 and Timberwolf, I am generally slower in hazard rich areas then others and yet in other areas I tend to be faster.
Try this thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
The problem is not the speed, it is the tailgating.
If it is that bad and dangerous, pull over.
If it is a big clear straight road and they are that dangerously close, pull over.
If it is a built up area, lots of hazards and they are that dangerously close, pull over.
Be above the usual mentality of this is my road, I am doing the limit. They can all get stuffed and so on.
I would agree with chris_w666 and Timberwolf, I am generally slower in hazard rich areas then others and yet in other areas I tend to be faster.
Try this thread:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
rasputin said:
I always have to wonder, when I rant on about this topic and am given advice to just pull over... Have you ever (really) tried driving constantly at 30mph on wide, smooth roads with good visibility?
I have a lot to learn yet, but AFAIK when I'm doing 30mph in a straight line I'm not that different to anyone else doing 30mph in a straight line. Does nobody else find that at least 50% of drivers are not happy following you at that speed? If I pulled over every time someone drove too close I'd quite literally never get anywhere.
Passengers (and no doubt other drivers) must think I'm messing around as they are not used to driving as slowly as I sometimes do. Or maybe they are fed up with my schitzophrenic driving - granny mode where needed and bat out of hell with a red hot poker up its bottom on NSL roads where conditions allow
Oh and hi Adam
I've taken the attitude that I've got 6 points, I dont fancy any more. If it means I'm arriving a little later than planned because I was Captain Slow, I'm OK with that. Same with moving out of the way, I'd rather get to where I'm going in one piece than have half of someone else's engine in my boot and am given advice to just pull over... Have you ever (really) tried driving constantly at 30mph on wide, smooth roads with good visibility?I have a lot to learn yet, but AFAIK when I'm doing 30mph in a straight line I'm not that different to anyone else doing 30mph in a straight line. Does nobody else find that at least 50% of drivers are not happy following you at that speed? If I pulled over every time someone drove too close I'd quite literally never get anywhere.
Passengers (and no doubt other drivers) must think I'm messing around as they are not used to driving as slowly as I sometimes do. Or maybe they are fed up with my schitzophrenic driving - granny mode where needed and bat out of hell with a red hot poker up its bottom on NSL roads where conditions allow
Oh and hi Adam
Edited by rasputin on Wednesday 6th February 16:05
Boy I'm glad that I'm only a simple grunt motorist totally unequipped to be able to judge 30.000 and 40.000 on my speedometer and slowing down using the accelerator pedal alone to 30.000 upon entry to the 30 limit.
Not only that but I can't figure out that slowing down to 30 in a 40/NSL is necessary to mitigate the impact of coming unexpectedly upon a deer or whatever. Or a bend. If someone's driving "a bit close" behind.
In fact the only saving grace that I can see from being an ordinary imbecile is that I have almost no hassle on the road from any other vehicles whatsoever probably because I don't feel the need to play dumb games of "I'm an advanced driver dontcha know" with them.
And not only that but it means I don't need to post details in advanced driving forums like "I'm too good a driver that others take exception" and "I change gear so smoothly that my passenger pukes" etc.
My advice is to get your toe down a bit and try going slightly over the speed limit where safe so as to not be a pain to people with somewhere to be. Stop driving with a chip on your shoulder. Stop trying to "educate" others on the roads and most importantly if someone wants to go faster than you, pull over and let them go.
SM
Not only that but I can't figure out that slowing down to 30 in a 40/NSL is necessary to mitigate the impact of coming unexpectedly upon a deer or whatever. Or a bend. If someone's driving "a bit close" behind.
In fact the only saving grace that I can see from being an ordinary imbecile is that I have almost no hassle on the road from any other vehicles whatsoever probably because I don't feel the need to play dumb games of "I'm an advanced driver dontcha know" with them.
And not only that but it means I don't need to post details in advanced driving forums like "I'm too good a driver that others take exception" and "I change gear so smoothly that my passenger pukes" etc.
My advice is to get your toe down a bit and try going slightly over the speed limit where safe so as to not be a pain to people with somewhere to be. Stop driving with a chip on your shoulder. Stop trying to "educate" others on the roads and most importantly if someone wants to go faster than you, pull over and let them go.
SM
Edited by supermono on Thursday 7th February 12:32
My opinion is that slowing down to accomodate the extra braking distance required when someone behind is too close - in most cases improves safety.
Perhaps my opinion differs from others and if so I unreservedly apologise for offence caused through incorrect use of the word "safely" and any concept of safe driving therefore implied.
Can I get back to my ranting now?
Perhaps my opinion differs from others and if so I unreservedly apologise for offence caused through incorrect use of the word "safely" and any concept of safe driving therefore implied.
Can I get back to my ranting now?
Edited by rasputin on Thursday 7th February 14:57
supermono said:
Boy I'm glad that I'm only a simple grunt motorist totally unequipped to be able to judge 30.000 and 40.000 on my speedometer and slowing down using the accelerator pedal alone to 30.000 upon entry to the 30 limit.
Not only that but I can't figure out that slowing down to 30 in a 40/NSL is necessary to mitigate the impact of coming unexpectedly upon a deer or whatever. Or a bend. If someone's driving "a bit close" behind.
In fact the only saving grace that I can see from being an ordinary imbecile is that I have almost no hassle on the road from any other vehicles whatsoever probably because I don't feel the need to play dumb games of "I'm an advanced driver dontcha know" with them.
And not only that but it means I don't need to post details in advanced driving forums like "I'm too good a driver that others take exception" and "I change gear so smoothly that my passenger pukes" etc.
My advice is to get your toe down a bit and try going slightly over the speed limit where safe so as to not be a pain to people with somewhere to be. Stop driving with a chip on your shoulder. Stop trying to "educate" others on the roads and most importantly if someone wants to go faster than you, pull over and let them go.
SM
Even better, when entering a 30mph limit, drive at 60mph... only half the time exposed to danger. Doh!Not only that but I can't figure out that slowing down to 30 in a 40/NSL is necessary to mitigate the impact of coming unexpectedly upon a deer or whatever. Or a bend. If someone's driving "a bit close" behind.
In fact the only saving grace that I can see from being an ordinary imbecile is that I have almost no hassle on the road from any other vehicles whatsoever probably because I don't feel the need to play dumb games of "I'm an advanced driver dontcha know" with them.
And not only that but it means I don't need to post details in advanced driving forums like "I'm too good a driver that others take exception" and "I change gear so smoothly that my passenger pukes" etc.
My advice is to get your toe down a bit and try going slightly over the speed limit where safe so as to not be a pain to people with somewhere to be. Stop driving with a chip on your shoulder. Stop trying to "educate" others on the roads and most importantly if someone wants to go faster than you, pull over and let them go.
SM
Edited by supermono on Thursday 7th February 12:32
People with "somewhere to be"? I'm pretty sure we all have somewhere to be most of the time. If I get in your way SM, just let me know and I'll happily break any law you want, just to keep you happy
rasputin said:
You are absolutely correct and I will speed up and get rid of this chip on my shoulder.
Well I think you probably brought on this latest problem (and be honest you must see it quite often) by presenting an image of a pompass "advanced driver". You passenger even told you about it and he/she was there.Your post details the very best way of bringing on trouble: driving at EXACTLY the speed limit, not a thousandth of a mile an hour faster. Speeding up hard to EXACTLY the next limit to teach the obligatory "tailgater a lesson", and making some random adjustments of speed citing contrived "safety" issues.
It seems in this case your driving was so incredibly advanced that you managed to upset a whole train of people not just one.
But then you present the whole thing as being their fault for not understanding that what they were witnessing wasn't an erratic fool playing childish games with an idiot tailgater, but an Advanced Driver. An Advanced Driver saddled with the tiresome responsibility of being so good that people get annoyed...
Or did I misread something?
SM
supermono said:
Well I think you probably brought on this latest problem (and be honest you must see it quite often) by presenting an image of a pompass "advanced driver". You passenger even told you about it and he/she was there.
I do like the word pompass, however my passenger never told me I was any kind of ass.
Your post details the very best way of bringing on trouble: driving at EXACTLY the speed limit, not a thousandth of a mile an hour faster. Speeding up hard to EXACTLY the next limit to teach the obligatory "tailgater a lesson", and making some random adjustments of speed citing contrived "safety" issues.
Yes I appreciate that to some, slowing and accelerating to meet speed limits may seem random - not everyone looks at the speed limit signs after all. I have no interest in teaching tailgaiters any lesson or driving their cars for them.
It seems in this case your driving was so incredibly advanced that you managed to upset a whole train of people not just one.
If aggressive idiots are upset by my granny driving then they bring their stress on themselves. As far as I'm concerned it is an added bonus but certainly not what I was intending
But then you present the whole thing as being their fault for not understanding that what they were witnessing wasn't an erratic fool playing childish games with an idiot tailgater, but an Advanced Driver. An Advanced Driver saddled with the tiresome responsibility of being so good that people get annoyed...
Why "fault"? As far as I can see nothing happened that would bestow any fault on anyone. Just another day and another drive
Or did I misread something?
Perhaps.I do like the word pompass, however my passenger never told me I was any kind of ass.
Your post details the very best way of bringing on trouble: driving at EXACTLY the speed limit, not a thousandth of a mile an hour faster. Speeding up hard to EXACTLY the next limit to teach the obligatory "tailgater a lesson", and making some random adjustments of speed citing contrived "safety" issues.
Yes I appreciate that to some, slowing and accelerating to meet speed limits may seem random - not everyone looks at the speed limit signs after all. I have no interest in teaching tailgaiters any lesson or driving their cars for them.
It seems in this case your driving was so incredibly advanced that you managed to upset a whole train of people not just one.
If aggressive idiots are upset by my granny driving then they bring their stress on themselves. As far as I'm concerned it is an added bonus but certainly not what I was intending
But then you present the whole thing as being their fault for not understanding that what they were witnessing wasn't an erratic fool playing childish games with an idiot tailgater, but an Advanced Driver. An Advanced Driver saddled with the tiresome responsibility of being so good that people get annoyed...
Why "fault"? As far as I can see nothing happened that would bestow any fault on anyone. Just another day and another drive
Or did I misread something?
I guess I'm just wondering why after the events you've described all those people overtook you in excess of the speed limit? Why do you think they did that?
I'd also like to know why your passenger felt the need to ask you to stop annoying the following driver? Why do you thing they did that?
Reading between the lines I honestly think you reacted to agression from an impatient road user by playing games with them. That's what it reads like to me.
Buy why on earth didn't you signal and pull over just as soon as you could after the 4x4 appeared in your boot? You don't know why he was in such a hurry. Quite often I'll do this on the odd occasion I'm being tailgated, it's not difficult.
SM
I'd also like to know why your passenger felt the need to ask you to stop annoying the following driver? Why do you thing they did that?
Reading between the lines I honestly think you reacted to agression from an impatient road user by playing games with them. That's what it reads like to me.
Buy why on earth didn't you signal and pull over just as soon as you could after the 4x4 appeared in your boot? You don't know why he was in such a hurry. Quite often I'll do this on the odd occasion I'm being tailgated, it's not difficult.
SM
supermono said:
I guess I'm just wondering why after the events you've described all those people overtook you in excess of the speed limit? Why do you think they did that?
At a guess, the first driver was in enough of a hurry to warrant 50mph in a 30mph residential area.And the rest probably see this when they look in the mirror:
supermono also said:
I'd also like to know why your passenger felt the need to ask you to stop annoying the following driver? Why do you thing they did that?
This was an exaggeration - as allowed by the guidelines set in the Internet Rant Act 1997 which I believe I adhered to above.My passenger didn't realise why I slowed down (how could they - without even a rear view mirror), I explained.
It's not too long since we both saw Bambi being turned into fox food on this very road by an oncoming car. I was being closely followed at the time and would have had no chance of keeping my bumper intact if I was over 30.
I like my bumpers. My passenger likes Bambi. Everyone happy.
supermono - mind if I ask why this bothers you so much? Get held up by slower cars much, do you? Have you considered advanced driver training to get over your hesitation to overtake?
You're lucky you know - I wish I had more opportunities to overtake, it's a fantastic feeling when done just right
rasputin said:
It's not too long since we both saw Bambi being turned into fox food on this very road by an oncoming car. I was being closely followed at the time and would have had no chance of keeping my bumper intact if I was over 30.
You just made this up didn't you? Because if that actually happened you'd surely have cited it as justification in your first post.rasputin said:
Get held up by slower cars much, do you? Have you considered advanced driver training to get over your hesitation to overtake?
You're lucky you know - I wish I had more opportunities to overtake, it's a fantastic feeling when done just right
Driving in Norfolk unfortunately slowsters are a cancer on our roads and overtaking them is all part of the drill. There are problems caused by people following them and each other so close that you can't get past without either planning to insert into a small gap that some wag may decide to close, or by getting up to supersonic speed to get past all at once and risk someone pulling into your path. Sometimes both plans look too dodgy so I just end up stuck.You're lucky you know - I wish I had more opportunities to overtake, it's a fantastic feeling when done just right
If advanced driving will teach me how to play the kinds of games you play then I'll just stick with my CSE grade F, thanks all the same.
You never did say why you didn't pull over to let him by... Why didn't you let him past?
SM
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