Brake testing

[Coilspring]

Dr Jekyll said:

I understand that they are in a hurry, what I don't understand is why tailgating rather than driving 2 seconds behind at exactly the same speed helps them meet their targets. Most of the tailgating I see is of cars in lane 1 doing 50 in 50 limits so they can't get out of the way, even assuming their response to being tailgated would not be to slow down.

No excuse for it in a 50 zone. Might it be because the lorry wants to do 49/50 but the car in front wants to do 45? Doesnt make it right, but the same reason as previously explained might be the reason. Frustration causing aggression. Definitely wrong, but... Same answer to it though, look at the targets the drivers are set?

On motorways the lorry will want to do 56, or thereabouts. How often do you see a lorry overtaking? Quite often, even though it might take a mile to get past. Just because the car is intent on sticking at 50 etc.

I dont agree with tailgating, but most of it is down to targets.

[vonhosen]

Coilspring said:

Dr Jekyll said:

I understand that they are in a hurry, what I don't understand is why tailgating rather than driving 2 seconds behind at exactly the same speed helps them meet their targets. Most of the tailgating I see is of cars in lane 1 doing 50 in 50 limits so they can't get out of the way, even assuming their response to being tailgated would not be to slow down.

No excuse for it in a 50 zone. Might it be because the lorry wants to do 49/50 but the car in front wants to do 45? Doesnt make it right, but the same reason as previously explained might be the reason. Frustration causing aggression. Definitely wrong, but... Same answer to it though, look at the targets the drivers are set?

On motorways the lorry will want to do 56, or thereabouts. How often do you see a lorry overtaking? Quite often, even though it might take a mile to get past. Just because the car is intent on sticking at 50 etc.

I dont agree with tailgating, but most of it is down to targets.

Well meeting the targets by driving dangerously won't result in them altering the targets. Driver is just putting themselves on offer.

[Coilspring]

vonhosen said:

Well meeting the targets by driving dangerously won't result in them altering the targets. Driver is just putting themselves on offer.

Who is supporting tailgating?

But if you can understand some of the issues you can have an idea of a mindset of some drivers, which can help your own driving, positioning.

[rxe]

Tailgating HGVs are easily dealt with by slowing down, and then varying your speed. It may take a while, but they tend to get the message eventually that you’re not one to be intimidated, and their behaviour is leading to the wrong outcome for them.

Had one in the motorway roadworks recently. Solid three lane traffic trundling along nose to tail at about 50. Lorry man wanted to do 55 and assumed that I’d somehow smash my way into the (full, no gaps) L1 to allow him to move forward another 20 yards. He was so close, I couldn’t see his headlights in the mirror. Time to open up a gap, gradual slow down to open up a 4 car length gap to the guy in front of me. Matey is having apoplexy by this stage. Oh dear, someone has pulled into the gap. Better make a new gap...

Rinse and repeat until the lorry driver has a stroke, or gets the message. No need to brake check.

[Dr Jekyll]

Coilspring said:

Who is supporting tailgating?

But if you can understand some of the issues you can have an idea of a mindset of some drivers, which can help your own driving, positioning.

I have a better idea. The tailgaters should understand simple physics and stop tailgating.

[james_gt3rs]

I just do 55 in the 50 zones and don't get tailgated, win win for all.

[Coilspring]

Dr Jekyll said:

I have a better idea. The tailgaters should understand simple physics and stop tailgating.

Or even get the targets re looked at and take time pressures off some , might actually benefit far more people. But it will have an effect on delivery costs.

Can't have everything though.