Your overtaking experiences - any negative responses?
Poll: Your overtaking experiences - any negative responses?
Total Members Polled: 518
Discussion
robemcdonald said:
This morning I was taking the alternative route to the M25. I found myself behind a white van doing about 40-45 in an NSL. I hung back leaving at least a 2-3 second gap. At a nice long straight I indicated, pulled out and overtook, pulling back in several lengths ahead of the van (which had unsurprisingly accelerated during my overtake) Checking the rearview mirror I saw the driver callling me a W**ker. Other than overtaking him there was nothing I did that could have offended. Some people just don't like being overtaken.
I had a similar thing happen on the way to work. A road about 1.5 miles long running alongside Blackbushe airfield I came across a crappy Rover 25 doing about 40 in an NSL. Overtook and didn't go over 60mph and get the full beam and coffee beans from the Neanderthal passenger. 
adycav said:
C'mon admit it - which one of you picked the 'feeble' option?
Me...but then I ride a motorcycle 95% of the time where overtaking everything is done without a second thought. In any car it's too much like hard work - is there enough room, have I got enough power, do I need to change gear etc etc - too much like hard work so I rarely bother!!I've been driving now for about 6 months and having been reading on here for longer, so only really attempt an overtake if I really think it is necessary and it is completely safe to do so. I've had mixed experiences, I'd say half were just your standard overtake, some of the other times however the person I've been overtaking has flashed or given a gesture of some sort, but here are the two really negative ones:
In one instance the old chap in the volvo estate I decided to overtake since he was going at a very leisurely pace decided to floor it as I drew alongside him mid-overtake, I had no choice but to pull back, and when I did he slowed back to about 30, and simply would not allow me to attempt again.
The other time was a tad more scary, I was on my way to pick up someone's daughter from school, and had been held up in traffic so was aware I was going to be late, I came across a van trundling along at 40 in a 60 so decided to overtake, he too decided to floor it (I could only tell because of the increase of black smoke from his van) this time I did complete the overtake, only for him to switch full beam on, and sit on my tail at 60, he followed for quite some time, right on my bumper occasionally flashing me, I have to say I was a little scared at this point, since it was getting dark and there weren't many other cars around, and he was right on my tail, all I could see were his headlights blinding me. Eventually I reached a mini-road about where I was turning right, he just mounted the pavement and pulled up along side me mouthing all sorts of lovelies before screeching off in the opposite direction. I was a little scared after that to say the least.
In one instance the old chap in the volvo estate I decided to overtake since he was going at a very leisurely pace decided to floor it as I drew alongside him mid-overtake, I had no choice but to pull back, and when I did he slowed back to about 30, and simply would not allow me to attempt again.
The other time was a tad more scary, I was on my way to pick up someone's daughter from school, and had been held up in traffic so was aware I was going to be late, I came across a van trundling along at 40 in a 60 so decided to overtake, he too decided to floor it (I could only tell because of the increase of black smoke from his van) this time I did complete the overtake, only for him to switch full beam on, and sit on my tail at 60, he followed for quite some time, right on my bumper occasionally flashing me, I have to say I was a little scared at this point, since it was getting dark and there weren't many other cars around, and he was right on my tail, all I could see were his headlights blinding me. Eventually I reached a mini-road about where I was turning right, he just mounted the pavement and pulled up along side me mouthing all sorts of lovelies before screeching off in the opposite direction. I was a little scared after that to say the least.
I agree that the type of car seems to make a difference. When I'm in the TVR people do seem to expect you to be making progress; despite the noise and relative speed difference after a 'positive' overtaking move I've never been flashed or received coffee beans. I spent a year in a Mk1 MX5, again with no hassle, as the public seem to regard it as cute and 'harmless', even when pressing on. I did get some reaction in the S2000 when I had the roof down; I reckon some people put it in the same bracket as the Boxster and thought 'aspirational showoff tosser...' when I was out driving it.
Any hassle I have had is when borrowing the Missus' 1.25l Fiesta. Every 17 year-old in the land with a similarly gutless sewing-machine-powered box seems hell-bent on preventing me from making any progress in it, despite me being a 41 year-old duffer. Woe betide me if I attempt to overtake Carina-Man in his 40mph-in-an-NSL Murray Mint Mobile as well, despite safely using what performance the Fiesta has as best I can.
I really thought I'd encounter more 'resistance' in the TVR, though. To some it must seem the automotive equivalent of the AntiChrist.
Any hassle I have had is when borrowing the Missus' 1.25l Fiesta. Every 17 year-old in the land with a similarly gutless sewing-machine-powered box seems hell-bent on preventing me from making any progress in it, despite me being a 41 year-old duffer. Woe betide me if I attempt to overtake Carina-Man in his 40mph-in-an-NSL Murray Mint Mobile as well, despite safely using what performance the Fiesta has as best I can.
I really thought I'd encounter more 'resistance' in the TVR, though. To some it must seem the automotive equivalent of the AntiChrist.
I've never had a problem overtaking anyone, either when I've overtaken people in my current £400 shed or in my old fabia vrs.
It seems to be worst in SE England, never had a problem where I live in South Wales. I've also driven and overtaken people in most parts of England, mainly in the South West and West Midlands, and not one bad experience.
From previous threads, it seems Wales and Scotland are the safest places to overtake, all the "must not let anyone past" lunatics must be in England?
It seems to be worst in SE England, never had a problem where I live in South Wales. I've also driven and overtaken people in most parts of England, mainly in the South West and West Midlands, and not one bad experience.
From previous threads, it seems Wales and Scotland are the safest places to overtake, all the "must not let anyone past" lunatics must be in England?
Edited by joej23 on Tuesday 11th May 01:47
I'm generally of the opinion that if you get lights flashed at you often when overtaking you might be doing something wrong, however I've had aggressive responses a few times myself. Once in a car, but the driver wasn't local judging by the flags in the back window (the white one with the red cross) and a couple of times on the bike. Seems some people just don't like being overtaken, and the attitude is more prevalent in some areas than in others.
On the rear of my first car (Seicento) I had the AWD badge from a Volvo XC90 arranged to read 'M A D' I overtook a woman doing roughly 32 in a 40, with her rear fog light on. Stopped at the next traffic lights and she was red with rage.
I could see her frothing at the mouth and shouting 'Mad?! Mad in the head!!'
On another car I arranged one of the windscreen washers to spray sideways rather than forwards (was always funny when mates were trying to get in the car) I once used it when someone tried speeding up to block my overtake while he had a window down, no idea if iI got my target, I'd like to think I did though.
I could see her frothing at the mouth and shouting 'Mad?! Mad in the head!!'
On another car I arranged one of the windscreen washers to spray sideways rather than forwards (was always funny when mates were trying to get in the car) I once used it when someone tried speeding up to block my overtake while he had a window down, no idea if iI got my target, I'd like to think I did though.
The Riddler said:
On another car I arranged one of the windscreen washers to spray sideways rather than forwards (was always funny when mates were trying to get in the car) I once used it when someone tried speeding up to block my overtake while he had a window down, no idea if iI got my target, I'd like to think I did though.
I'm stealing this idea.Typhon said:
The Riddler said:
On another car I arranged one of the windscreen washers to spray sideways rather than forwards (was always funny when mates were trying to get in the car) I once used it when someone tried speeding up to block my overtake while he had a window down, no idea if iI got my target, I'd like to think I did though.
I'm stealing this idea.
Let me know how you get on! Remember to put it back right for MOT time.
The Riddler said:
Only works on older stuff with the ball type washer jets, just stick a pin in and adjust. The twins are better then you can leave half of the n/s jet pointing towards the screen. Let me know how you get on!
Remember to put it back right for MOT time.
I was thinking a third, remotely operated auxiliary washer Let me know how you get on! Remember to put it back right for MOT time.
I have so many ideas right now
neilV8 said:
I've occasionally had people flash at me after I pass them but I like to think they are showing their appreciation and waving me on my way.
Good manners is to acknowledge their appreciation of your driving with a friendly wave - If your car's headroom is limited, it might only be possible to wave with a single extended middle digit rather than the more traditional open hand. I'm sure they'll get the message though.
I get this quite often, and can confirm that it's not linked to tailgating or passing too close. I'm a reasonably cautious overtaker so it's usually on a long straight. I follow the roadcraft method of overtaking keeping my distance etc.
I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
Typhon said:
The Riddler said:
Only works on older stuff with the ball type washer jets, just stick a pin in and adjust. The twins are better then you can leave half of the n/s jet pointing towards the screen. Let me know how you get on!
Remember to put it back right for MOT time.
I was thinking a third, remotely operated auxiliary washer Let me know how you get on! Remember to put it back right for MOT time.
I have so many ideas right now
ZesPak said:
Had one last week, rural road, chevy van. Was driving at about 50, so overtook him at about 60. Started speeding up when I overtook him, making the overtake longer. He then proceeded to tailgate me at about 65.
I lost him at the next corner.
I lost him at the next corner.
I see this a lot too. Why? I cannot understand it at all? They are happy trundling along at 45-50mph in an NSL with a train of cars and commercials in their wake, however then endanger others lives when they choose to pass, and proceed to travel 15-20mph over their comfort speed welded to their "adversary's" bumper for a few miles.
Any psychiatrists on PH? What does this Jeckyl & Hyde reaction indicate?
mat205125 said:
ZesPak said:
Had one last week, rural road, chevy van. Was driving at about 50, so overtook him at about 60. Started speeding up when I overtook him, making the overtake longer. He then proceeded to tailgate me at about 65.
I lost him at the next corner.
I lost him at the next corner.
I see this a lot too. Why? I cannot understand it at all? They are happy trundling along at 45-50mph in an NSL with a train of cars and commercials in their wake, however then endanger others lives when they choose to pass, and proceed to travel 15-20mph over their comfort speed welded to their "adversary's" bumper for a few miles.
Any psychiatrists on PH? What does this Jeckyl & Hyde reaction indicate?
RobM77 said:
I get this quite often, and can confirm that it's not linked to tailgating or passing too close. I'm a reasonably cautious overtaker so it's usually on a long straight. I follow the roadcraft method of overtaking keeping my distance etc.
I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
Did you not realise 'Speed Kills'. They assume they are going quite fast enough and by passing them you are insulting their leadership and ability to keep you and the kittens safe. I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
I would love to see the statistics for the number of accidents were speed was the main factor versus the number of accidents where at least one party being a bit hard of thinking was the main factor.
Had a negative response this morning, and instantly thought of this thread....
The overtake itself was whiter than white (long straight, no side turnings, excellent conditions etc), but resulted in furious flashing from overtakee, so much so that at the next traffic lights, I leant out of the car and asked the chap behind why he was flashing his lights (thought there might have been something wrong with my vehicle and he was trying to alert me to it). He ignored me the first time I asked, but after asking a sedond time he eventually sheepishly said "...erm...I thought....erm.... you were driving...erm.... a bit dangerously". I asked in what way was I driving dangerously and he shrinked back into his car and ignored me again, looking away and looking very embarrased.
Just another one of these guys described above.
The overtake itself was whiter than white (long straight, no side turnings, excellent conditions etc), but resulted in furious flashing from overtakee, so much so that at the next traffic lights, I leant out of the car and asked the chap behind why he was flashing his lights (thought there might have been something wrong with my vehicle and he was trying to alert me to it). He ignored me the first time I asked, but after asking a sedond time he eventually sheepishly said "...erm...I thought....erm.... you were driving...erm.... a bit dangerously". I asked in what way was I driving dangerously and he shrinked back into his car and ignored me again, looking away and looking very embarrased.
Chris_w666 said:
RobM77 said:
I get this quite often, and can confirm that it's not linked to tailgating or passing too close. I'm a reasonably cautious overtaker so it's usually on a long straight. I follow the roadcraft method of overtaking keeping my distance etc.
I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
Did you not realise 'Speed Kills'. They assume they are going quite fast enough and by passing them you are insulting their leadership and ability to keep you and the kittens safe. I'd say about 60-70% of people speed up when I start overtaking (often I see a puff of diesel smoke), the same proportion flash, with about a third of people gesticulating or shaking their heads afterwards. Very occasionally I have people weaving to block me.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff