Getting fed up avoiding accidents
Discussion
Strange topic title, but bear with.
Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn’t kept in check.
On a 12 mile journey I will usually be forced to slow right down and pull almost off the road to avoid a head-on, just so the incoming vehicle can continue to barrel on their way unchecked down the middle of the road. Yesterday I actually came to a stop as far off the road as I could and braced for impact, at the very last second the t
t swerved back just enough to avoid me, before then re-occupying the middle of the road.
I don’t have any issues with driving down the middle of any divided or undivided road (and I do it myself), the difference being that I don’t do it without clear sighting on roads I know well, and of course I move onto the near side to allow oncoming cars to pass safely unchecked. It seems some people have decided that if they dominate the full width of the road and play some sort of game of chicken, then oncoming cars will simply get out of their way.
I find myself also having to take evasive action when people launch themselves out of side roads in town driving to try and force their way into the traffic - I had one recently where the person didn’t even pause for his give way markings, just joined the road forcing the car in front of me to do an emergency stop to let him in.
I know driving standards are generally pretty low but these seem like conscious decisions from the other drivers just to facilitate their own journey at the expense of other people’s. It’s made me consider getting a dash cam because it feels like an incident is becoming a when not an if.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - “get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice”?
Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn’t kept in check.
On a 12 mile journey I will usually be forced to slow right down and pull almost off the road to avoid a head-on, just so the incoming vehicle can continue to barrel on their way unchecked down the middle of the road. Yesterday I actually came to a stop as far off the road as I could and braced for impact, at the very last second the t
t swerved back just enough to avoid me, before then re-occupying the middle of the road.I don’t have any issues with driving down the middle of any divided or undivided road (and I do it myself), the difference being that I don’t do it without clear sighting on roads I know well, and of course I move onto the near side to allow oncoming cars to pass safely unchecked. It seems some people have decided that if they dominate the full width of the road and play some sort of game of chicken, then oncoming cars will simply get out of their way.
I find myself also having to take evasive action when people launch themselves out of side roads in town driving to try and force their way into the traffic - I had one recently where the person didn’t even pause for his give way markings, just joined the road forcing the car in front of me to do an emergency stop to let him in.
I know driving standards are generally pretty low but these seem like conscious decisions from the other drivers just to facilitate their own journey at the expense of other people’s. It’s made me consider getting a dash cam because it feels like an incident is becoming a when not an if.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - “get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice”?
I think some of it is related to car choice. Most of the little back roads were not designed to have two massive modern cars pass each other.
Many modern cars are over 2 meters wide, so it only takes one of these and everyone else needs to slow down to accommodate them. Two cars like this in opposite directions necessitates slowing to a crawl and having to find a passing place.
Many modern cars are over 2 meters wide, so it only takes one of these and everyone else needs to slow down to accommodate them. Two cars like this in opposite directions necessitates slowing to a crawl and having to find a passing place.
PhilboSE said:
Strange topic title, but bear with.
Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn t kept in check.
On a 12 mile journey I will usually be forced to slow right down and pull almost off the road to avoid a head-on, just so the incoming vehicle can continue to barrel on their way unchecked down the middle of the road. Yesterday I actually came to a stop as far off the road as I could and braced for impact, at the very last second the tt swerved back just enough to avoid me, before then re-occupying the middle of the road.
I don t have any issues with driving down the middle of any divided or undivided road (and I do it myself), the difference being that I don t do it without clear sighting on roads I know well, and of course I move onto the near side to allow oncoming cars to pass safely unchecked. It seems some people have decided that if they dominate the full width of the road and play some sort of game of chicken, then oncoming cars will simply get out of their way.
I find myself also having to take evasive action when people launch themselves out of side roads in town driving to try and force their way into the traffic - I had one recently where the person didn t even pause for his give way markings, just joined the road forcing the car in front of me to do an emergency stop to let him in.
I know driving standards are generally pretty low but these seem like conscious decisions from the other drivers just to facilitate their own journey at the expense of other people s. It s made me consider getting a dash cam because it feels like an incident is becoming a when not an if.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice ?
I will often pull into the middle of the road, if someone is barrelling towards me and I know there isn’t space to pass.Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn t kept in check.
On a 12 mile journey I will usually be forced to slow right down and pull almost off the road to avoid a head-on, just so the incoming vehicle can continue to barrel on their way unchecked down the middle of the road. Yesterday I actually came to a stop as far off the road as I could and braced for impact, at the very last second the t
t swerved back just enough to avoid me, before then re-occupying the middle of the road.I don t have any issues with driving down the middle of any divided or undivided road (and I do it myself), the difference being that I don t do it without clear sighting on roads I know well, and of course I move onto the near side to allow oncoming cars to pass safely unchecked. It seems some people have decided that if they dominate the full width of the road and play some sort of game of chicken, then oncoming cars will simply get out of their way.
I find myself also having to take evasive action when people launch themselves out of side roads in town driving to try and force their way into the traffic - I had one recently where the person didn t even pause for his give way markings, just joined the road forcing the car in front of me to do an emergency stop to let him in.
I know driving standards are generally pretty low but these seem like conscious decisions from the other drivers just to facilitate their own journey at the expense of other people s. It s made me consider getting a dash cam because it feels like an incident is becoming a when not an if.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice ?
It gives them time to work out how they intend to get past, without ripping off my mirror.
I'm located in the Ashdown Forest area of East Sussex and, over the years, there is an increasing tendency for the council to remove cats eyes and leave no centre road markings. No idea why this is but it does seem to hamper a few drivers to keep in lane.
I've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
I've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
xyyman said:
I'm located in the Ashdown Forest area of East Sussex and, over the years, there is an increasing tendency for the council to remove cats eyes and leave no centre road markings. No idea why this is but it does seem to hamper a few drivers to keep in lane.
I've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
Probably cost. With the attendant excuse that it makes drivers uncertain and more inclined to think.I've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
One thing I'm noticing more and more is people swinging round parked cars on their side at full speed into my path, forcing me to brake to avoid them.
Two further related bugbears are people doing that then not pulling back in promptly, doing a massive lazy swing aroudn the obstruction so I have to completely stop to avoid them instead of just slowing, and another is people following the lead car through blindly.
Two further related bugbears are people doing that then not pulling back in promptly, doing a massive lazy swing aroudn the obstruction so I have to completely stop to avoid them instead of just slowing, and another is people following the lead car through blindly.
Furbo said:
Probably cost. With the attendant excuse that it makes drivers uncertain and more inclined to think.
The edges of many of the rural roads around us have completely deteriorted, so manybe they're trying to avoid claims by encouraging people to drive in the middle of the road?I had a mirror clash with someone where there seemed plenty of room. Amazingly she stopped, and said she'd swerved to avoid a pothole. I tend to go for the "bold positioning" now if it's a bit narrow, to slow the other car. Get a lot of women in RangeRovers and Porsche SUVs on the back roads and they don't usually give any quarter. Mid-afternoon I more cautious as I assume they're drunk.
Have it all the time around here with long lines of parked cars and while there is space for 2 cars to still pass each other, it's a squeeze, and people don't slow down just charge through to bully you out the way, even if there is a gap in the parked cars they could stop in. Quite often they try it with a truck or bus and cause a jam.
People have become really knobbish in the last 5 years or so is the only explanation I can find.
People have become really knobbish in the last 5 years or so is the only explanation I can find.
One lane near me is completely straight for two miles and wide enough for two cars, but has no markings and many massive potholes. Many drivers take this opportunity to overtake and get very aggressive if someone tries to avoid the potholes or go less than 70mph (it's usually safest to drive in the middle of the road rather than weaving around).
Another is just wide enough for two cars to squeeze by, but has a drop of a 1-2 inches on either side. Most cars do what you describe and try to barrel through, making the other car drop down and try to find a place to get the left wheels back on the road.
The roundabout on J33 of the M1 is particularly bad for people taking the racing line even when there is another car there.
It happens far too often for it to always be a mistake.
Another is just wide enough for two cars to squeeze by, but has a drop of a 1-2 inches on either side. Most cars do what you describe and try to barrel through, making the other car drop down and try to find a place to get the left wheels back on the road.
The roundabout on J33 of the M1 is particularly bad for people taking the racing line even when there is another car there.
It happens far too often for it to always be a mistake.
xyyman said:
I'm located in the Ashdown Forest area of East Sussex and, over the years, there is an increasing tendency for the council to remove cats eyes and leave no centre road markings. No idea why this is but it does seem to hamper a few drivers to keep in lane.
I've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
When I was living there I also noticed the 'verge creep' somewhat narrowing the roadI've not had the driving experiences that the OP has but there are always a few distracted or unobservant drivers who just aren't paying attention and, subsequently, create some potentially tricky situations.
Over the years I've been conditioned to expect the worst and use a dash cam just in case.
Sheepshanks said:
The edges of many of the rural roads around us have completely deteriorted, so manybe they're trying to avoid claims by encouraging people to drive in the middle of the road?
I had a mirror clash with someone where there seemed plenty of room. Amazingly she stopped, and said she'd swerved to avoid a pothole. I tend to go for the "bold positioning" now if it's a bit narrow, to slow the other car. Get a lot of women in RangeRovers and Porsche SUVs on the back roads and they don't usually give any quarter. Mid-afternoon I more cautious as I assume they're drunk.
School run mums in a rush.I had a mirror clash with someone where there seemed plenty of room. Amazingly she stopped, and said she'd swerved to avoid a pothole. I tend to go for the "bold positioning" now if it's a bit narrow, to slow the other car. Get a lot of women in RangeRovers and Porsche SUVs on the back roads and they don't usually give any quarter. Mid-afternoon I more cautious as I assume they're drunk.
I find taking a more aggressive stance on the road is the only way sometimes. You have to force the throbber coming the other way into making the right choice (to slow down) by positioning your vehicle so as to give 2 options 1) crash their PCP SUV into you / the vegetation 2) slow down and pass properly
PhilboSE said:
Strange topic title, but bear with.
Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn t kept in check.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice ?
Absolutely. Some drivers genuinely cannot function without the big white line to remind them which half of the road is theirs. Round my way the Council in their wisdom has been removing the central lane dividers from B roads. Consequently it seems a significant number of people have decided to charge down the road taking up two thirds of the available width, and expect you to literally have your near side wheel half off the tarmac to avoid them, usually also scraping the side of your car down all the overgrown foliage on the verge that the council also hasn t kept in check.
Anyone else noticed people driving like this - get out of my way or have an RTA, your choice ?
Remove them from two lane roundabouts and some people just carve across.
Round here when the line isn't put back on a blind bend you will suddenly find all the fat folks in crossovers start cutting the corner.
It's quite shocking to realise that there are people operating cars who can't function at a normal level without a painted line to guide them!!
The fact that they're all buying larger and larger cars these days probably exacerbates this.
There is a road in North Wales a bit like this ,albeit the oncoming drivers seem better than yours. I have been a regular user of it since the 1970s. It is if anything less busy now. The reason for it becoming so stressful? Wider cars. Where traffic used to pass at 30 -40 mph each way it now slows to a crawl to pass each other with wheels on the grass, so each bend is a heart in mouth moment.
It's the B4407 through Ysbyty Ifan.
It's the B4407 through Ysbyty Ifan.
Outside of the usual suspects pickups and vans, generally it's an SUV and the driver cannot judge the width nor do they have the skill to get over to the left so you're going to have to create the space for them, I do this willingly as I don't want to crash I will also flick my mirrors in giving another 10" of space.
It's mildly annoying but what can you do!
This could be a deliberate choice by the local authorities, there might be evidence that removing central markings from some narrow roads might prevent accidents by slowing cars down; perhaps by causing people to be more cautious as makes the lane seem narrower, make you think more about whether you can definitely get two cars side by side. Not saying whether this is right, or works, but might be a reason (see work of people like Thaler and Sunstein).
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