Do you ever 'self-police' the roads?
Discussion
I often used to drive a 17-tonner round rural Aberdeenshire, home to a lot of enthusiasts with fast cars. The roads are generally quiet, with good surfaces and sweeping curves encouraging spirited driving; however approach speeds can be high and sight lines often poor.
I'm restricted to 40 in my large truck, an Impreza is behind and obviously eager to get past, popping out for a look every so often. These roads are notorious for a lack of laybys for me to pull into and let him on his way, so I have to carry on snailpace. At a point where I think the Impreza might make his move, over the hedge I spot a solitary car coming the other way, a car which the Impreza would probably not be able to see. With the Impreza having another look but before he is committed to an overtake I signal right until the oncoming car has passed. Once the the danger is averted, and only when I know it's 100% safe, I signal left and invite him to overtake. He sweeps by with a wave and a flash of the hazards, thanking me for having the presence of mind to alert him to potential danger.
I'll never know if he was actually planning his pass at that critical time, but I felt that I had to alert him to a hazard I could see but he couldn't, just like the OP and his tractor incident.
Self-policing? Some might think so. I call it trying to help others avoid accidents, and given the same circumstances I would do it again.
The OP may have ruffled a few Driving God feathers, but at least he is considering the way he drives, learning from his mistakes, and is prepared to accept alternative opinions and modify his thinking..how many of the great driving public can say they do that?
I'm restricted to 40 in my large truck, an Impreza is behind and obviously eager to get past, popping out for a look every so often. These roads are notorious for a lack of laybys for me to pull into and let him on his way, so I have to carry on snailpace. At a point where I think the Impreza might make his move, over the hedge I spot a solitary car coming the other way, a car which the Impreza would probably not be able to see. With the Impreza having another look but before he is committed to an overtake I signal right until the oncoming car has passed. Once the the danger is averted, and only when I know it's 100% safe, I signal left and invite him to overtake. He sweeps by with a wave and a flash of the hazards, thanking me for having the presence of mind to alert him to potential danger.
I'll never know if he was actually planning his pass at that critical time, but I felt that I had to alert him to a hazard I could see but he couldn't, just like the OP and his tractor incident.
Self-policing? Some might think so. I call it trying to help others avoid accidents, and given the same circumstances I would do it again.
The OP may have ruffled a few Driving God feathers, but at least he is considering the way he drives, learning from his mistakes, and is prepared to accept alternative opinions and modify his thinking..how many of the great driving public can say they do that?
aaron_2000 said:
I just skipped from 1 to 12 to see if it all ended in argument, gonna read through it all in bed later 
I've tried to keep my cool and take on the feedback, and share my train of thought too. Particularly the bits around you've no idea who is in the other car, and their state of mind etc, and you're actions could subsequently make them do something rash. Bang on the money with that advice. A special note to the poster who said 'try and keep your driving as predictable as possible, as it helps everyone around you. This is my new mantra behind the wheel. I mentioned earlier about knowing some lorry drivers and that's a key part of their training as a professional driver, whether via Cpc or Rospa training. They are always on the lookout for everyone, anticipate, anticipate, anticipate. If we all drive as predictable as possible, then we can anticipate so much easier and it's a great view to take. So I'm keeping this mantra, it's a real good one.
On another note, I play footy once a week and one of the guys is a policeman (not traffic branch though)
I shared my OP with him tonight, while we were doing our stretches/warming up.
I'll share in a minute what his slant on that situation would be.
As per previous post. I had a chat with a policeman tonight and explained the motorway situation and me closing the gap.
It's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
It's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
Edited by soupdragon1 on Thursday 24th May 23:38
jeremyh1 said:
Schermerhorn said:
If someone did that to me out of pure pettiness and revelled in it I would probably get out of the car and punch their lights out....just to be a bigger c*nt.
Thats what I like to hear I dont bother other motorist and I will always help anybody that needs help but that is exactly how I feel too about this type of person 
.Nobody seems willing to chastise that behaviour, (which always makes me wonder if it's because THEY are that guy).
Edited by Mandalore on Friday 25th May 06:02
soupdragon1 said:
As per previous post. I had a chat with a policeman tonight and explained the motorway situation and me closing the gap.
It's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
Original PostIt's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
Edited by soupdragon1 on Thursday 24th May 23:38
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
soupdragon1 said:
As per previous post. I had a chat with a policeman tonight and explained the motorway situation and me closing the gap.
It's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
And so the self-justification continues. It's no surprise to know he said you shouldn't be doing that. He followed straight up by saying you don't know who they are or what their intentions or reasons are, and you're mad to even get involved. Pretty much exactly what others have said on here.
So I asked him what level of punishment would there be. He said their wouldn't be any punishment, they would be more interested in pulling over the other person, as they are dangerous driving.
I also asked well, say you did pull me over anyway, what would the punishment. He said, technically, I could possibly do you for careless driving, but would probably just explain that you shouldn't do it, it's a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.
He knows the road well, and he said there are hundreds of people doing the same thing as me. And literally thousands of drivers driving nose to tail to try and stop the queue jumpers. They really try and target people cutting in dangerously bit they don't have the resources to be manning rush hour morning and evening every day of the week.
So there you go. He didn't get the rest of the players to come after me with pitchforks and take my license off me, that's for sure! So I feel a bit better with his perspective on the matter. Don't be at it anymore is his view in summary, but it's not really a huge offence in the grand scheme of things.
Please don't feel better about yourself either. You appear to have no intention of actually learning from the comments on here and those from that copper. You're clearly more interested in hearing what you want to hear and fully intend to carry on as you are doing.
Best of luck to you out there chap. You're certainly going to need it.
Woody John said:
I often give the slow down signal to fast idiots driving in the opposite direction. Most don't pay heed.
Because in a split second you are able to accurately judge the speed of the oncoming vehicle, having discounted the closing speed between your vehicle and there's magnifying the situation, and decided that it is your place to be a road captain because you are infinitely morally superior to the other driver and have also been able to ascertain their IQ?Wow.
Hatson said:
Original Post
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
I tried to explain earlier that using the written word can be hard to accurately describe the situation. Much easier face to face, or even better, sitting in the car or being familiar with the road and the way people drive on it."So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
But if you try and imagine it, hopefully you can, then it doesn't sound as extreme. We've all seen people on motorways closing a gap to not let someone in. It's not 'hand your license in' type of offence that some people have interpreted.
soupdragon1 said:
Hatson said:
Original Post
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
I tried to explain earlier that using the written word can be hard to accurately describe the situation. Much easier face to face, or even better, sitting in the car or being familiar with the road and the way people drive on it."So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
But if you try and imagine it, hopefully you can, then it doesn't sound as extreme. We've all seen people on motorways closing a gap to not let someone in. It's not 'hand your license in' type of offence that some people have interpreted.
Mandalore said:
jeremyh1 said:
Schermerhorn said:
If someone did that to me out of pure pettiness and revelled in it I would probably get out of the car and punch their lights out....just to be a bigger c*nt.
Thats what I like to hear I dont bother other motorist and I will always help anybody that needs help but that is exactly how I feel too about this type of person .Nobody seems willing to chastise that behaviour, (which always makes me wonder if it's because THEY are that guy).
Edited by Mandalore on Friday 25th May 06:02
k up Lane 1 of the motorway by having half their rear end hanging out as they attempt to barge in. That said I won't flash my lights to give them any help either.Hatson said:
soupdragon1 said:
Hatson said:
Original Post
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
I tried to explain earlier that using the written word can be hard to accurately describe the situation. Much easier face to face, or even better, sitting in the car or being familiar with the road and the way people drive on it."So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
But if you try and imagine it, hopefully you can, then it doesn't sound as extreme. We've all seen people on motorways closing a gap to not let someone in. It's not 'hand your license in' type of offence that some people have interpreted.
The essence should be that you should aim to complete your journey without anyone having had cause to adversely notice your presence on the road due to extraordinary or unpredictable behaviour. A vehicular version of the ubiquitous unmemorable grey man.
soupdragon1 said:
Hatson said:
Original Post
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
I tried to explain earlier that using the written word can be hard to accurately describe the situation. Much easier face to face, or even better, sitting in the car or being familiar with the road and the way people drive on it."So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
But if you try and imagine it, hopefully you can, then it doesn't sound as extreme. We've all seen people on motorways closing a gap to not let someone in. It's not 'hand your license in' type of offence that some people have interpreted.
Wills2 said:
soupdragon1 said:
Hatson said:
Original Post
"So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
I tried to explain earlier that using the written word can be hard to accurately describe the situation. Much easier face to face, or even better, sitting in the car or being familiar with the road and the way people drive on it."So I self police.
I leave a very attractive gap, inviting them to cut in in a safe manner. But I drop a gear and sit bang in the optimum power band, ready to 'speed match' them. As they are about to pass me and take the big gap, I speed up. They soon realise I'm not letting them in and their plan is foiled."
There's no way you described this to a policeman as per your original post and got such a mild response!
How did you really put it?
But if you try and imagine it, hopefully you can, then it doesn't sound as extreme. We've all seen people on motorways closing a gap to not let someone in. It's not 'hand your license in' type of offence that some people have interpreted.
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