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?

[anonymous-user]

RobM77 said:

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?

Other cars "flashing you out". This is a very common thing, but i interpretting this as someone giving way to you could be costly. The purpose of flashing lights should mean exactly the opposite - according to the Highway Code.

Overtaking is a thing of the past for many people. They are quite happy to sit behind a tractor for mile after mile. I have no idea why people get annoyed when you overtake, just smile and wave.

[Brian Trizers]

I've noticed the occasional 'flash out' on the motorway too - curiously from drivers who must think they're close enough to move into the space I'm about to take, when clearly (to me!) they're not, or I wouldn't be about to move out.

I admit to a fairly liberal interpretation of Highway Code rule 268, which says '...You may keep up with traffic in your lane', and slip past on the left when a 1-2-3-2-1 manoeuvre would be possible and more correct. I've not noticed any adverse reaction to this - possibly because the other driver is lost in their own little middle-lane world anyway.

[DoubleD]

I think that you need to find yourself a hobby.

[brman]

DoubleD said:

I think that you need to find yourself a hobby.

what, like baiting people on pistonheads

[Kawasicki]

The op has a strong "not sure if serious" feel to it.

[robbyd]

overtaking a cyclist by crossing solid whites (when good visibility) - much better to give them more space.

[waremark]

DoubleD said:

I think that you need to find yourself a hobby.

Presumably you have seen that the op's hobby is driving race cars?

[Poisson96]

Brian Trizers said:

I admit to a fairly liberal interpretation of Highway Code rule 268, which says '...You may keep up with traffic in your lane', and slip past on the left when a 1-2-3-2-1 manoeuvre would be possible and more correct. I've not noticed any adverse reaction to this - possibly because the other driver is lost in their own little middle-lane world anyway.

I would say that is because people know it isn't an undertake but sadly I think you're mainly right as to why they do it

[BertBert]

waremark said:

Presumably you have seen that the op's hobby is driving race cars?

But never going above 30 in a 30 limit for safety reasons

[Dr Jekyll]

BertBert said:

But never going above 30 in a 30 limit for safety reasons

He doesn't want to lose his licence.

[RegMolehusband]

waremark said:

Presumably you have seen that the op's hobby is driving race cars?

Yes, but is he any good at it?

I think he should live in the real world and fit in when driving on the roads, then he wouldn't cause frustration behind.

[MagicalTrevor]

Dr Jekyll said:

BertBert said:

But never going above 30 in a 30 limit for safety reasons

He doesn't want to lose his licence.

In the OP's defence here, my hobby also involves driving a stupidly fast racing car and I generally stick to the limits (generally!).

[anonymous-user]

RegMolehusband said:

Yes, but is he any good at it?

I think he should live in the real world and fit in when driving on the roads, then he wouldn't cause frustration behind.

So we should all break the speed limit in a 30mph zone to stop other people getting frustrated?

[CrutyRammers]

bmw535i said:

Other cars "flashing you out". This is a very common thing, but i interpretting this as someone giving way to you could be costly. The purpose of flashing lights should mean exactly the opposite - according to the Highway Code.

The HC has been out of sync with absolutely everybody on this for decades.
I understand why, it's because it's impossible to write down and codify all of the meanings which can be communicated by a light flash in an absolute manner. However I don't feel that doggedly sticking with "only do it for warning of your presence", when the entire country uses it for everything but that, is useful.

[RegMolehusband]

bmw535i said:

So we should all break the speed limit in a 30mph zone to stop other people getting frustrated?

It's not as black and white as that. Any truly sensible driver uses their judgment at the time.

[anonymous-user]

CrutyRammers said:

The HC has been out of sync with absolutely everybody on this for decades.
I understand why, it's because it's impossible to write down and codify all of the meanings which can be communicated by a light flash in an absolute manner. However I don't feel that doggedly sticking with "only do it for warning of your presence", when the entire country uses it for everything but that, is useful.

I agree, but I wonder who would be deemed to blame for a collision in such circumstances.

[anonymous-user]

RegMolehusband said:

It's not as black and white as that. Any truly sensible driver uses their judgment at the time.

The speed limit is black and white and circled in red. I think you'd be mad to break it just to appease another road user, but that's up to you I guess.

[RegMolehusband]

Thank you. I will continue to drive with due regard to all road users.

Edited by RegMolehusband on Thursday 7th April 07:55

[LeoSayer]

robbyd said:

overtaking a cyclist by crossing solid whites (when good visibility) - much better to give them more space.

Rule 129
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.