Using hard shoulder to pass a gritter
Discussion
So it's that time of year again with the gritters all over the motorways. But I saw something today I've never seen, people using the hard shoulder to pass the gritter (he was in lane 2) What made it worse was it was on a left hand curve and these people had no idea of anything stationary ahead. 
I will add that it was only cars doing this, all the lorries sticking to lane one.
Quite high on the muppetry scale I thinks.
@
I will add that it was only cars doing this, all the lorries sticking to lane one.
Quite high on the muppetry scale I thinks.
@
Edited by Eighteeteewhy on Sunday 13th January 20:00
0a said:
A reminder as to why you should never sit in a broken down car on the hard shoulder, and why I would never stop there if asked to do so by the police (next exit instead thanks).
Really? If asked/ signalled to stop by the police then it would be a good idea to do so rather than commit a failure to stop. They stop a distance behind with their warning lights going, surely this is safe enough on most occassions? My motorbike broke down on the M4 years ago. It was dark (and the bike didn't have hazards so was unlit), and cold and the fritters were out. A Mercedes C class almost collected the bike as he flew past on the hard shoulder. I was way, way up the embankment out of harms way. I bet he needed new pants after that shock...
*Al* said:
0a said:
A reminder as to why you should never sit in a broken down car on the hard shoulder, and why I would never stop there if asked to do so by the police (next exit instead thanks).
Really? If asked/ signalled to stop by the police then it would be a good idea to do so rather than commit a failure to stop. They stop a distance behind with their warning lights going, surely this is safe enough on most occassions? Not really sure how I'd indicate that stopping at the next junction is what I'm intending on doing, a wave with the hand out of the window perhaps?
Passed a gritter that was operating in lane 2 yesterday, gave it as wide a berth as possible without actually breaking the hard shoulder line, perfect visibility of course.
Edited by FisiP1 on Sunday 13th January 20:32
*Al* said:
Really? If asked/ signalled to stop by the police then it would be a good idea to do so rather than commit a failure to stop. They stop a distance behind with their warning lights going, surely this is safe enough on most occassions?
Nope I'd indicate and acknowledge them, but having worked on the roads there's no way I'd be sat on the hard shoulder taking a ticking off. Sorry! 0a said:
*Al* said:
Really? If asked/ signalled to stop by the police then it would be a good idea to do so rather than commit a failure to stop. They stop a distance behind with their warning lights going, surely this is safe enough on most occassions?
Nope I'd indicate and acknowledge them, but having worked on the roads there's no way I'd be sat on the hard shoulder taking a ticking off. Sorry! *Al* said:
They stop a distance behind with their warning lights going, surely this is safe enough on most occassions?
Which is all well and good until the bit where they ask you to sit in the back of their car while they have a word / check the paperwork. Sure, if there's a dick driving on the hard shoulder your P&J will be fine and dandy, as they'll hit the police car first. Unfortunately if you've been pulled, there's a good chance you'll be in it..
Dog Star said:
Sorry OP, but I did exactly this today. I could see quite clearly that there was nothing on the hard shoulder.
Unlike some people I'm quite capable of assessing risk and taking responsibility for my actions, thanks.
The obvious thing to ask is why? What do you gain by using the hard shoulder? I assume you think that you'll have less chance of stone chips? You are then negating the increased risk of punctures from the hard shoulder.Unlike some people I'm quite capable of assessing risk and taking responsibility for my actions, thanks.
poing said:
The obvious thing to ask is why? What do you gain by using the hard shoulder? I assume you think that you'll have less chance of stone chips? You are then negating the increased risk of punctures from the hard shoulder.
A puncture won't cost thousands, repairing knackered paint will do. /devil's advocate. I just grimace and bear it from whatever lane is free, not the hard shoulder.
Dog Star said:
Sorry OP, but I did exactly this today. I could see quite clearly that there was nothing on the hard shoulder.
Unlike some people I'm quite capable of assessing risk and taking responsibility for my actions, thanks.
I assume you make other stupid and ignorant decisions on the roads , well done you are a numpty !Unlike some people I'm quite capable of assessing risk and taking responsibility for my actions, thanks.
I passed one today where there is an extra half lane outside a dual carriageway for a very brief spell, visibility all the way along it which gave the ability to move half a car width away from the full force of it. Even as I pulled out I thought it wasn't the most clever thing to do (even though there was definitely nothing there) as I'm sure the police wouldn't be too happy plus there was a fair bit of debris there. To be fair the few cars behind me did exactly the same too.
Not sure if I'd use the hard shoulder but if I did it'd have to be perfect visibility and I'd just move a few feet over. I prefer to hang back so I can get a quick run past it - that's what I'd normally do so not sure why I changed my approach today!
Worst one I had last winter was when I drew level and the car in front backed off to leave me right in the stream of grit. Absolutely certain by the way they did it and sped off after I backed off to avoid my car getting sand blasted that they deliberately tried to block me there. Couldn't believe anyone would do that...
Not sure if I'd use the hard shoulder but if I did it'd have to be perfect visibility and I'd just move a few feet over. I prefer to hang back so I can get a quick run past it - that's what I'd normally do so not sure why I changed my approach today!
Worst one I had last winter was when I drew level and the car in front backed off to leave me right in the stream of grit. Absolutely certain by the way they did it and sped off after I backed off to avoid my car getting sand blasted that they deliberately tried to block me there. Couldn't believe anyone would do that...
Ari said:
Has anyone ever had a chip from a salt spreader? It makes an awful noise for sure, but I've never picked up a chip from one. It's only salt after all.
As to using the hard shoulder to pass one, FFS.
It's quite similar to gravel at times - although they've started using mesh over the truck beds to act as a kind of sieve when loading. It can damage your car if you're tucked up behind one and catch a large chunk. The screws on the back fairly fling it out.As to using the hard shoulder to pass one, FFS.
(As our yard full of gritter drivers will confirm!)
ETA not literally a yard full, they're all out gritting!
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