“Straight lining” - thoughts?

[FieldAtlanta]

Hi all,

Something that idly crossed my mind as I was driving home this evening… I’m sure I’m not alone in having tried to ‘straighten out’ a nice winding road when visibility permits (meaning no physical barriers to obscure view) and it’s clear that there are no cars within any sort of distance that would cause worry or alarm.

My thought was though, how would the police look at this? If, for example, a police car in a lay-by was to observe someone doing this, while otherwise driving in a legal manner (nothing that may class as dangerous / careless offences) - would they pull the car for a chat? Charge them with anything?

[cuprabob]

As long as you're not crossing a solid white line in the centre of the road and not breaking the speed limit, I don't think you're breaking any laws.

[Canon_Fodder]

FieldAtlanta said:

Hi all,

I’m sure I’m not alone in having tried to ‘straighten out’ a nice winding road when visibility permits

The point of 'nice winding roads' is the bends.

If you want straight lines just go to the nearest DC

[Foss62]

If the Police officer was also a ROADAR examiner he (or she) would actually be looking for it where appropriate and safe, as part of a progressive drive.

[Dr Jekyll]

Canon_Fodder said:

FieldAtlanta said:

Hi all,

I’m sure I’m not alone in having tried to ‘straighten out’ a nice winding road when visibility permits

The point of 'nice winding roads' is the bends.

If you want straight lines just go to the nearest DC

Judging how to position for best visibility is part of the challenge of a winding road,, and that can mean straightening an open right hander.

[loskie]

we had ex police drivers (instructors) do driver training at work a while ago. I did mine in the Scottish Borders and the instructor positively encouraged this. IIRC company was Drive and Survive.

[Pica-Pica]

Improving the vision, improving stability and traction, and as long as you are not crossing any solid line, or doing anything that would confuse or discomfort another driver, I see no issues.

[FieldAtlanta]

Canon_Fodder said:

FieldAtlanta said:

Hi all,

I’m sure I’m not alone in having tried to ‘straighten out’ a nice winding road when visibility permits

The point of 'nice winding roads' is the bends.

If you want straight lines just go to the nearest DC

Didn’t think I’d need to illustrate my point but maybe it would help:


(Cheddar gorge and large protruding rock face obscuring visibility probably not the best example to have chosen… but this illustrates the ‘straightening’ of a corner which I think many of us could recognise)

[Drawweight]

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with if if the visibility is 100% i.e no low walls or hedges where it ‘looks’ clear and ‘there’s probably nothing coming anyway’

Mate of mine, ex police motorcyclist was hit head on by some idiot in a car straight lining a corner that he shouldn’t have done.

But it’s like other things. For instance there’s nothing wrong with a bit of excess speed till it’s done inappropriately.

[LosingGrip]

On my advanced course with work we were told to straight line when its safe to and there is a benefit (normally for vehicle stability). Same for roundabouts (as long as there isn't anyone on the inside lane or any lines painted...if there are lines painted only on a blue light run if its safe).

I wouldn't think twice about someone doing it in front of me and would properly do the same. Long as there isn't a solid white line.

[caziques]

If anyone should travel to New Zealand, don't get caught driving on the wrong side of the road (unless overtaking etc), it is a specific offence.

[Dr Jekyll]

caziques said:

If anyone should travel to New Zealand, don't get caught driving on the wrong side of the road (unless overtaking etc), it is a specific offence.

What happens if you plan to overtake and then on getting the offside view decide it isn't on? Are you supposed to commit before moving out?

[OutInTheShed]

FieldAtlanta said:

Hi all,

Something that idly crossed my mind as I was driving home this evening… I’m sure I’m not alone in having tried to ‘straighten out’ a nice winding road when visibility permits (meaning no physical barriers to obscure view) and it’s clear that there are no cars within any sort of distance that would cause worry or alarm.

My thought was though, how would the police look at this? If, for example, a police car in a lay-by was to observe someone doing this, while otherwise driving in a legal manner (nothing that may class as dangerous / careless offences) - would they pull the car for a chat? Charge them with anything?

I suspect you'd be guilty of having failed to see the police car?

Straightening bends is not always the same as positioning on the road to see as far as possible.

[Super Sonic]

Not really good driving is it? Whose the better driver, one who can go down a twisty road using both sides, or one who can go down the same road at the same speed while keeping on the correct side.

[Dr Jekyll]

Super Sonic said:

Not really good driving is it? Whose the better driver, one who can go down a twisty road using both sides, or one who can go down the same road at the same speed while keeping on the correct side.

The one who has the bigger safety margin. Either by staying out of the way of oncoming traffic if there might be some, or by increasing their visibility when safe to do so.

[Sheepshanks]

LosingGrip said:

Same for roundabouts (as long as there isn't anyone on the inside lane or any lines painted...if there are lines painted only on a blue light run if its safe).

Why can’t you cross the lines if it’s safe to do so? A roundabout near us has just had lane markers added and it makes it very tight if you follow them - especially as the kerb protrudes on the exit I use and enters a fairly steep hill so you lose a lot of momentum.

Most people do stay in lane - I still straight line it if I can, is that wrong?

[donkmeister]

Sheepshanks said:

LosingGrip said:

Same for roundabouts (as long as there isn't anyone on the inside lane or any lines painted...if there are lines painted only on a blue light run if its safe).

Why can’t you cross the lines if it’s safe to do so? A roundabout near us has just had lane markers added and it makes it very tight if you follow them - especially as the kerb protrudes on the exit I use and enters a fairly steep hill so you lose a lot of momentum.

Most people do stay in lane - I still straight line it if I can, is that wrong?

Depends - are you the only one using the roundabout, with no-one about to enter the roundabout? If so crack on. Are you currently sharing the roundabout or are other people trying to understand where you are going to time their entry? Then no, don't do it. It's probably intended precisely to reduce your momentum.

[Dog Star]

Foss62 said:

If the Police officer was also a ROADAR examiner he (or she) would actually be looking for it where appropriate and safe, as part of a progressive drive.

Indeed - I remember an IAM observer saying to me (34 years ago - how’d that happen? ) on this very subject “You’ve paid for the road, use it”.

[loskie]

Super Sonic said:

Not really good driving is it? Whose the better driver, one who can go down a twisty road using both sides, or one who can go down the same road at the same speed while keeping on the correct side.

You are wrong. Plain and simple.

[loskie]

Drawweight:
"For instance there’s nothing wrong with a bit of excess speed till it’s done inappropriately."


Not quite right, in fact totally wrong if you break the speed limit.