Following the Highway Code vs Fitting In

[RobM77]

In the advanced driving coaching, reading and discussions that I’ve had over the years, compliance with the Highway Code and the law obviously feature prominently, but so does fitting in and not irritating other drivers. Often this can mean subtle things such as showing brake lights early to warn drivers that you’re slowing, or maintaining a reasonable distance to a slow vehicle in front to show that you’re following the slow car through obligation and not being hesitant. Occasionally though, these two goals of following the HC and blending in with other traffic clash. I’d be interested to hear people’s thoughts on this. Personally, I always let the Highway Code take precedence, but this sometimes irritates other drivers – what do you do in these situations?

Here’s three examples to start with:

Most people do about 35-40mph in 30mph limits, but I personally refuse to go above 30mph for both safety and legal reasons, meaning I get tailgated a fair bit, and sometimes mild road rage. Speed camera vans are common on the roads I drive on, and even if it seems safe to go a bit faster, I just don’t think it’s worth the risk as I want to keep my clean licence. I also get problems sticking to 70mph on the motorway or dual carriageways, for example before a junction when the L3 90mph guys move to L1 to leave the motorway and tailgate me all the way to the junction in L1 at 70mph.

Indicating properly also seems to cause confusion sometimes, as it’s now standard for people to either not bother indicating, or to indicate during or after a manoeuvre, so if I indicate my intentions to other road users before doing a manoeuvre (for example for a motorway lane change), often I’ll have cars flashing me out unnecessarily, thinking that I’m being hesitant by giving a couple of flashes before moving.

Overtaking is the other thing. Does anyone else get flashed and hooted for overtaking, even if it’s completely justified and in a safe spot? Some people seem to think overtaking is an act of aggression, or even perhaps illegal. I’ve actually stopped overtaking now because of this, unless it’s a tractor or something obviously very slow.

Any thoughts or other examples?

[RobM77]

RegMolehusband said:

bmw535i said:

Checks mirror, sees police car, checks speed, speed ok, ah I'll speed up to please him.

Still, much better to receive a fine and points than receiving a Rodney King esque beating at the next traffic lights.

You don't seem to be able to comprehend what I'm saying. The police car was tailgating as a result of his frustration at the driver rigidly sticking to his speedo at 30mph, which was probably 27-28mph in reality. I probably would have done an indicated 33-34.

It's a limit, not a target. I wouldn't take any chances personally - the policeman in the described incident was simply being an idiot. On that note, it should be stressed that this was probably just a run of the mill policeman with very little driver training. I frequently see standard police cars breaking the Highway Code, it's quite normal. I can see your reasoning behind doing an indicated 33, but personally I wouldn't take the risk for the tiny gain it would give me.