More experience means more complacency.
Discussion
Since i passed my test about ten years ago i have noticed what aspects of driving or more specifically road usage and highway code (or at least what they tell you when your learning) you really don't need or can be overlooked to some extent. Things like stopping distances for example.
Its probably a combination of both bad driving and laziness but the amount of people on the roads these days that clearly cant be arsed driving by showing common courtesy, situational awareness and paying attention to the highway code (such as people not understanding or just being plain arrogant when it comes to giving way when obstructed by parked cars on their side). It leads me to think that the old more experience means better driving is ironic. As far as i see it more experience on the road does not make joe public a better driver but in fact the complete opposite. They learn what they Don't have to do
My dad's a driving instructor and id be curious to take a test with him now to see just how much stuff i overlook now despite me thinking i'm probably a good driver.
Its probably a combination of both bad driving and laziness but the amount of people on the roads these days that clearly cant be arsed driving by showing common courtesy, situational awareness and paying attention to the highway code (such as people not understanding or just being plain arrogant when it comes to giving way when obstructed by parked cars on their side). It leads me to think that the old more experience means better driving is ironic. As far as i see it more experience on the road does not make joe public a better driver but in fact the complete opposite. They learn what they Don't have to do
My dad's a driving instructor and id be curious to take a test with him now to see just how much stuff i overlook now despite me thinking i'm probably a good driver.
Edited by Andy ap on Friday 15th November 10:10
Have a read through Roadcraft then think about your own driving, you might be surprised about the things you don't even consider.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
alangla said:
Have a read through Roadcraft then think about your own driving, you might be surprised about the things you don't even consider.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
Whoa! What happened there?! I copied a link to the book on Amazon & got prices for a range of book shops?!?!!http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
alangla said:
alangla said:
Have a read through Roadcraft then think about your own driving, you might be surprised about the things you don't even consider.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
Whoa! What happened there?! I copied a link to the book on Amazon & got prices for a range of book shops?!?!!http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roadcraft-The-Police-Drive...
(I'll caveat this by saying that the last edition I read was about 1999/2000, no idea what's changed!)
Swings and roundabouts.
I generally find my ability to read the road & associated hazard perception is generally a lot better now then when I passed my test, and more so since I've been riding a motorbike.
I definitely drive in a more relaxed manner now, for the first few years after my test I was probably driving fairly aggresively, and often beyond my own limits, so that had something occured I probably wouldnt have been in a good position to react.
I am now though guilty of lazy driving at times.
I will admit to being rubbish recently with Zebra crossings. Where I used to live there werent any. Where Im living now there are a couple and the first time I went over one It definitely took me a few split seconds longer than it should to realise it was a zebra crossing and to pay the correct amount of alertness to associated potential hazards (i.e I drove straight over when a person was almost about to cross, I should have anticipated them using the crossing).
I generally find my ability to read the road & associated hazard perception is generally a lot better now then when I passed my test, and more so since I've been riding a motorbike.
I definitely drive in a more relaxed manner now, for the first few years after my test I was probably driving fairly aggresively, and often beyond my own limits, so that had something occured I probably wouldnt have been in a good position to react.
I am now though guilty of lazy driving at times.
I will admit to being rubbish recently with Zebra crossings. Where I used to live there werent any. Where Im living now there are a couple and the first time I went over one It definitely took me a few split seconds longer than it should to realise it was a zebra crossing and to pay the correct amount of alertness to associated potential hazards (i.e I drove straight over when a person was almost about to cross, I should have anticipated them using the crossing).
I think its people who don't give a toss about driving who end up like this. To most people, driving and cars are just a chore they would rather not have to deal with.
I'd like to think on the other hand though, like most PHers, that I take some pride in my driving, and as such, I'd like to think I'm a much better driver than all of those who don't give a toss about it.
Driving standards these days are poor, no doubt about it, and I never cease to be amazed how some of the worst culprits are taxi drivers. I think I would actually like being a taxi driver, but the reason I'm not is because of the unsocial hours and having to deal with pissed up scumbags, but the actual driving part I would enjoy, I think.
I'd like to think on the other hand though, like most PHers, that I take some pride in my driving, and as such, I'd like to think I'm a much better driver than all of those who don't give a toss about it.
Driving standards these days are poor, no doubt about it, and I never cease to be amazed how some of the worst culprits are taxi drivers. I think I would actually like being a taxi driver, but the reason I'm not is because of the unsocial hours and having to deal with pissed up scumbags, but the actual driving part I would enjoy, I think.
I recently completed my ERD (Emergency Response Driver) training with the Fire Brigade and it was a real eye opener to how many bad habits had crept into my driving after 20 years of 'experience'.
It has definitely improved my observation skills and hopefully I'm a lot safer on the road. The blue light bit was a lot of fun too.
It has definitely improved my observation skills and hopefully I'm a lot safer on the road. The blue light bit was a lot of fun too.
The majority aren't interested in self-improvement or indeed even keeping up with developments.
I still believe there should be refresher training / retesting. Even if only to get people to re-read the latest version of the Highway Code once in a blue moon.
All the updates and rule changes are in the public domain for all to see. I admit to not bothering to seek them out myself. Using a car forum one is exposed to some of it naturally as discussion topics such as MOT rule changes. Most people are oblivious to such evolution.
Retesting would be as much a chore to me as anyone else but it would go some way to keep people up to date and if needbe get rid of the bottom tier.
People bleat on about how driving is essential for some people to get about. That's fine, but contrary to everything else such as VED which points to driving being a premium luxury, not a right. Whether you've been driving 1 year, 10 years or 50 years, if driving a car is important to you then you really ought to treat your license as important.
I still believe there should be refresher training / retesting. Even if only to get people to re-read the latest version of the Highway Code once in a blue moon.
All the updates and rule changes are in the public domain for all to see. I admit to not bothering to seek them out myself. Using a car forum one is exposed to some of it naturally as discussion topics such as MOT rule changes. Most people are oblivious to such evolution.
Retesting would be as much a chore to me as anyone else but it would go some way to keep people up to date and if needbe get rid of the bottom tier.
People bleat on about how driving is essential for some people to get about. That's fine, but contrary to everything else such as VED which points to driving being a premium luxury, not a right. Whether you've been driving 1 year, 10 years or 50 years, if driving a car is important to you then you really ought to treat your license as important.
Limeymk1 said:
I recently completed my ERD (Emergency Response Driver) training with the Fire Brigade and it was a real eye opener to how many bad habits had crept into my driving after 20 years of 'experience'.
It has definitely improved my observation skills and hopefully I'm a lot safer on the road. The blue light bit was a lot of fun too.
Car or pump?It has definitely improved my observation skills and hopefully I'm a lot safer on the road. The blue light bit was a lot of fun too.
Andy ap said:
As far as i see it more experience on the road does not make joe public a better driver but in fact the complete opposite. They learn what they Don't have to do
Speak for yourself, I have been driving for almost 40 years & in that time I have been a nationwide van driver for 3 years, a mobile sales manager for 5 years & been a trade plater for 5 years, as well as all my private mileage, & every single time I get in my vehicle (or someone else's), I drive just how I was taught to do.Edited by Andy ap on Friday 15th November 10:10
Well apart from going a little faster
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