Why can nobody overtake?

[Tripel Karmeliet]

JimSuperSix said:

Drive Blind said:

Tyre Tread said:

A big aspect for me is not having to follow another vehicle that I can't see past.

The large volume of SUVs and other large vehicles mean you can't see over, through or round them so its more difficult to anticipate the road conditions and traffic ahead which means more braking (as inevitably you're stuck behind "binary drivers" who are either on the throttle or the brakes) so I can't drive in a relaxed and flowing manner.

this for me too

Clearly you're driving too close then. Leave a larger gap and you can see just fine and also have space to smooth out any of these "binary drivers" actions with just a gentle lift and coast.

its not as simple as that - i prefer a CLEAR sight of the road ahead = less chance of being involved in an accident. I am not implying I want to drive like L Hamilton but at the same time i don't want to be stuck behind trucks or dawdlers who hit the brakes every few seconds and take 10 minutes to overtake a cyclist with nothing coming the other way when a simply indicate and overtake is all that is required

Ultimately I don't want my progress to be hindered by the above f**k wits- that's where accidents will occur so overtake them and let them do whatever it is they are trying to do

[Chubbyross]

Perhaps I’m getting less brave in my later years but I feel more nervous overtaking now than when I did when first driving. I think cars’ acceleration has improved enormously over the last few decades and so I find it difficult trying to assess the road in front of the car I’m trying to overtake along with the possibility that another overtaking car is going to suddenly appear Up my rear end. Once upon a time, unless you were in a supercar, overtaking was a lengthy process.

[anonymous-user]

Tyre Tread said:

JimSuperSix said:

Drive Blind said:

Tyre Tread said:

A big aspect for me is not having to follow another vehicle that I can't see past.

The large volume of SUVs and other large vehicles mean you can't see over, through or round them so its more difficult to anticipate the road conditions and traffic ahead which means more braking (as inevitably you're stuck behind "binary drivers" who are either on the throttle or the brakes) so I can't drive in a relaxed and flowing manner.

this for me too

Clearly you're driving too close then. Leave a larger gap and you can see just fine and also have space to smooth out any of these "binary drivers" actions with just a gentle lift and coast.

Gee, never thought of that. Must try it sometime.

Well by the sounds of your post you hadn't, so yes perhaps try it.

[Tyre Tread]

JimSuperSix said:

Tyre Tread said:

JimSuperSix said:

Drive Blind said:

Tyre Tread said:

A big aspect for me is not having to follow another vehicle that I can't see past.

The large volume of SUVs and other large vehicles mean you can't see over, through or round them so its more difficult to anticipate the road conditions and traffic ahead which means more braking (as inevitably you're stuck behind "binary drivers" who are either on the throttle or the brakes) so I can't drive in a relaxed and flowing manner.

this for me too

Clearly you're driving too close then. Leave a larger gap and you can see just fine and also have space to smooth out any of these "binary drivers" actions with just a gentle lift and coast.

Gee, never thought of that. Must try it sometime.

Well by the sounds of your post you hadn't, so yes perhaps try it.

Excuse me while I nip over to the "People who make you think knob" thread.

[M4cruiser]

carlove said:

I had a Ranault Captur hire car last year when my Astra was recalled. I’ve never driven a car with such bad steering feel, you had to guess how much steering input when cornering, I’ve never driven a car like it. It was the only time I’ve asked for a different hire car, that was more because it was so uncomfortable, gave me a bad back after 2 days.

Slightly O/T but the problem with the Captur (and the Clio) is the electric steering. Renault's system has a weird feel.

[M4cruiser]

TVRBRZ said:

My commute is all flowing A road, a joy to drive empty. My nightmare commute is a lorry with 2-3 people behind unwilling to overtake themselves but as other posters have described, unwilling to let you progress either.

My normal short(ish) commute is a mix of roads, 30, 40, 30, 40, very short stretch of 60, 30 (unless I go via the Motorway).
There is absolutely no point in overtaking. I might get to work a few seconds quicker, and the car I've overtaken will go past as I'm stepping out of my car. Those few seconds are lost again by needing to re-fuel sooner.

On my long(ish) commute I always use the Motorway, and tend to sit there at 58 mph for the same reasons.

[James-m5qjf]

M4cruiser said:

On my long(ish) commute I always use the Motorway, and tend to sit there at 58 mph for the same reasons.

Sitting at 58... Not sure I would fancy being overtaken by HGVs.... Tough times if you’re watching your MPG to that extent!

[anonymous-user]

Tyre Tread said:

JimSuperSix said:

Tyre Tread said:

JimSuperSix said:

Drive Blind said:

Tyre Tread said:

A big aspect for me is not having to follow another vehicle that I can't see past.

The large volume of SUVs and other large vehicles mean you can't see over, through or round them so its more difficult to anticipate the road conditions and traffic ahead which means more braking (as inevitably you're stuck behind "binary drivers" who are either on the throttle or the brakes) so I can't drive in a relaxed and flowing manner.

this for me too

Clearly you're driving too close then. Leave a larger gap and you can see just fine and also have space to smooth out any of these "binary drivers" actions with just a gentle lift and coast.

Gee, never thought of that. Must try it sometime.

Well by the sounds of your post you hadn't, so yes perhaps try it.

Excuse me while I nip over to the "People who make you think knob" thread.

no need to go that far, I'm sure you're not a knob

[drophead]

I overtake for fun so the time savings (or lack thereof) are kinda meaningless. I drive a 2.0 TDI and have no issues overtaking lines of cars when required, thought it does take more gear changes than in my previous petrol BMW.

Overtaking is a lost art nowadays and also it feels as if the general public view it as somehow anti-social?

As a biker it's second nature but what I find most interesting is the difference in reaction from road users; people barely blink at the bike but overtaking in the car occasionally results in a flash of headlights, a shaking fist or (my favourite) the road user speeding up

Anyway, to answer the OP's question; because people don't give a crap anymore about driving. Would it also be fair to say that due to the increased number of road users driving financed vehicles and therefore do not wish to actually drive the things for fear of damaging it.

[TVRBRZ]

M4cruiser said:

My normal short(ish) commute is a mix of roads, 30, 40, 30, 40, very short stretch of 60, 30 (unless I go via the Motorway).
There is absolutely no point in overtaking. I might get to work a few seconds quicker, and the car I've overtaken will go past as I'm stepping out of my car. Those few seconds are lost again by needing to re-fuel sooner.

On my long(ish) commute I always use the Motorway, and tend to sit there at 58 mph for the same reasons.

M4, can I politely, without any faux hostility or sarcasm, ask why you are on a supposedly driving enthusiast forum? Have I missed something and found myself on a forum for those who like cars but do not necessarily like driving....?

The day I don't enjoy a flowing A Road in a car with some steering feedback and handling will be the day I stop driving (or self driving cars are ubiquitous!)

[Fleckers]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

No clue I never asked his name

[carlove]

TVRBRZ said:

M4, can I politely, without any faux hostility or sarcasm, ask why you are on a supposedly driving enthusiast forum? Have I missed something and found myself on a forum for those who like cars but do not necessarily like driving....?

The day I don't enjoy a flowing A Road in a car with some steering feedback and handling will be the day I stop driving (or self driving cars are ubiquitous!)

I don’t know if this is why, but I drive sedately on my commute as I just can’t be bothered.
I love to go out for a drive, even though I’ve got a boring hatchback, the open road and going quick, I love it. But if I have to drive out of necessity, or if someone asks me to drive them somewhere I hate it and tend to go slow (well the speed limit) and steady.

He could of course have a completely different answer.

Edited by carlove on Friday 28th August 22:12

[anonymous-user]

Overtaking is a lost art, not part of the driving test so I doubt it even gets mentioned by a driver instructor giving a lesson.

I think it shows that learner drivers are taught to pass the test but not taught to drive or learn any road craft.

When cars have gone full autopilot and people have become cargo to move around, will these autopilots be able to overtake?

[Fleckers]

Powerfully Built Company Director said:

Is that the B2244 by chance, near Hawkhurst and Cripps Corner? Amazingly good road, I presume roman, and almost parallel to the nose to tail depression of the a21.

Many a licence losing speed has been reached on that road!!

Indeed it is and you are correct a good speed could be had on that road but in my case I was doing about 60-65 at the end of the overtakevso all legal in the eyes of the law just not the road warrior total nob how did he know I was not a nut job tooled up who could have ended his day very badly for him fortunatel for him I just squirted him with my water bottle and made him wet

[TVRBRZ]

When cars have gone full autopilot and people have become cargo to move around, will these autopilots be able to overtake?
[/quote]

If you want aviation as an example, every iteration of Flight Manoeuvring is either replicated or done better by automation. The USAF have trialled a simulator dogfight between an experienced pilot and a computer and the computer has won some of the serials.

My "employer" now selects those best able to manage and fight using the automation systems, everything our trainees now will fly in their future career is fully fly by wire with a high degree of automation.

I would imagine that an automated car catching a slower automated vehicle would "negotiate" via a data link with the slower vehicle to enable a safe overtake.

The technology is already working with the "loyal wingman" concept of a team of drones data linked to a controlling aircraft or autonomous instruction.

[bolidemichael]

A lot of the comments on here are spot on and it's nice to see that some of us are still alive and cognisant!

Making progress on the public highway is about the art of a smooth and swift A to B; that may involve well executed overtakes. Others' inclination to dawdle doesn't determine my own pace.

People are so scared of overtaking (and of those who overtake), however, that it does change the dynamic in a car (as opposed to a motorbike), in that it's generally better for all involved to just overtake the whole barmy train of dawdlers and their followers in one fell swoop. It involves a great deal of forward planning and a liberal application of the throttle.

If one has to no option but to chip away and tolerate the inevitable flashing of lights and gnashing of teeth, then 'oh well', I just keep my focus on reading the road ahead and before long, I'm gone and onto to the next obstacle.

Roadcraft and IAM is an incredibly liberating process of learning and improvement. Being able to read the road and the conditions, puts one in a different league to most other road users. It should be mandatory for people with a driving licence (as should riding a motorcycle).

Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 28th August 23:38

[bolidemichael]

JimSuperSix said:

Drive Blind said:

Tyre Tread said:

A big aspect for me is not having to follow another vehicle that I can't see past.

The large volume of SUVs and other large vehicles mean you can't see over, through or round them so its more difficult to anticipate the road conditions and traffic ahead which means more braking (as inevitably you're stuck behind "binary drivers" who are either on the throttle or the brakes) so I can't drive in a relaxed and flowing manner.

this for me too

Clearly you're driving too close then. Leave a larger gap and you can see just fine and also have space to smooth out any of these "binary drivers" actions with just a gentle lift and coast.

It really is as simple as that. Hanging back will minimise the proportion of vision that the obstacle ahead will command, leaving more visibility for reading the road ahead. It's too easy to get sucked in to what's directly in front.

[bolidemichael]

r1monkey said:

Is this an enthusiast driving site any more or just a load of toyota hybrid aiming commuters ?
The site has gone from TVR driving people to people that are happy to follow a Honda Jazz at 30 mph everywhere.
The statements that the car that passed you a minute ago is only 2 cars in front of you at the next town show that you are not a driving enthusiast but a plodder .
A roller coaster could go along at 10mph .It will still get you to the same destination but where is the fun in that?

I'm with you on enjoying the roads, but are you always advocating banzai driving in 30mph villages etc?

[Glenn63]

carlove said:

TVRBRZ said:

M4, can I politely, without any faux hostility or sarcasm, ask why you are on a supposedly driving enthusiast forum? Have I missed something and found myself on a forum for those who like cars but do not necessarily like driving....?

The day I don't enjoy a flowing A Road in a car with some steering feedback and handling will be the day I stop driving (or self driving cars are ubiquitous!)

I don’t know if this is why, but I drive sedately on my commute as I just can’t be bothered.
I love to go out for a drive, even though I’ve got a boring hatchback, the open road and going quick, I love it. But if I have to drive out of necessity, or if someone asks me to drive them somewhere I hate it and tend to go slow (well the speed limit) and steady.

He could of course have a completely different answer.

Edited by carlove on Friday 28th August 22:12

I’m starting to feel this way also, I remember 10 years or so ago I used to always be able have a blast on the way to/from work or wherever making decent progress but more just enjoying the car/road/racing lines etc now it’s just constant traffic with people trundling about in day dreams I just think a daily performance (so usually comfort compromised) car is pointless and giant Range Rover looks more and more appealing! But obviously I’d still need something quick and enjoyable for track days, early morning sundays and when I go to the in-laws in the highlands!

[r1monkey]

bolidemichael said:

I'm with you on enjoying the roads, but are you always advocating banzai driving in 30mph villages etc?

Absolutely not. I ride motorbikes and drop from speed in national speed limit areas to whatever the village / town limit is. When i do this though i sometimes find that the people that i have passed in the 60 limit are then trying to push me through 30 mph limits at 40mph.That is the one time i will hold them up as i know if i let them pass they will have to be re passed as soon as i leave the 30 zone.