Ways you can spot a 'better' driver
Discussion
Inspired by the 'worst driving traits' thread, I'm wondering what little (or big) things generally indicate to you that the person you're either being driven by, or following, is more competent than the usual lacklustre standard of driving that we witness every day?
For me I think it's when someone is coming to a stop and they let off the brakes just a tad as the car is coming to a stop, in order for it not to jerk abruptly to a halt.
Also getting into neutral (and handbrake if needed) when stopped at the lights.
For me I think it's when someone is coming to a stop and they let off the brakes just a tad as the car is coming to a stop, in order for it not to jerk abruptly to a halt.
Also getting into neutral (and handbrake if needed) when stopped at the lights.
Christ, it's not difficult.
- Looking for a gap onto a roundabout BEFORE slamming the brakes on.
- Indicating to join the over-taking lane well in advance of you approaching them, and then moving over afterwards, not staying there at 68mph just because there's another obstruction 3 miles ahead.
- Use of indicators.
- Keeping the car within their boundary lines.
- Letting people out of junctions, but just one, to keep the main queue flowing.
- Considerate braking.
Etc etc. All the basic shat which ought to be second nature!
- Looking for a gap onto a roundabout BEFORE slamming the brakes on.
- Indicating to join the over-taking lane well in advance of you approaching them, and then moving over afterwards, not staying there at 68mph just because there's another obstruction 3 miles ahead.
- Use of indicators.
- Keeping the car within their boundary lines.
- Letting people out of junctions, but just one, to keep the main queue flowing.
- Considerate braking.
Etc etc. All the basic shat which ought to be second nature!
For me in terms of roadcraft it's two things that are linked:
1) Anticipating things and taking appropriate action before they happen. For example, leaving other people space on the motorway when you've worked out what'll happen next, or reacting when a pedestrian pushes a button on a crossing, or a child drops a ball - most people react after all of those things, rather than preparing beforehand.
2) Looking a long way ahead and the improved planning and smoothness that brings. For example, knowing that a 40mph bend is approaching and backing off to do 40mph before it, whereas most people I passenger with seem to pile into such a bend at 50 and then leave it at 38.
However, being a racer at heart, and following on from my example for 2 (which is the number one problem I see when instructing on track and all the subsequent issues driving like that creates and re-inforces) what impresses me most is fluidity, balance and sympathy when controlling the car - flowing down the road if you like. That's one thing that comes close to being innate - I'm always interested to watch the celebrity laps on Top Gear and to see whose driving flows and whose driving is all jerky.
As a side note, if ever I see someone driving really well then I instantly check my speed, because the chances are they're a traffic officer in an unmarked car
1) Anticipating things and taking appropriate action before they happen. For example, leaving other people space on the motorway when you've worked out what'll happen next, or reacting when a pedestrian pushes a button on a crossing, or a child drops a ball - most people react after all of those things, rather than preparing beforehand.
2) Looking a long way ahead and the improved planning and smoothness that brings. For example, knowing that a 40mph bend is approaching and backing off to do 40mph before it, whereas most people I passenger with seem to pile into such a bend at 50 and then leave it at 38.
However, being a racer at heart, and following on from my example for 2 (which is the number one problem I see when instructing on track and all the subsequent issues driving like that creates and re-inforces) what impresses me most is fluidity, balance and sympathy when controlling the car - flowing down the road if you like. That's one thing that comes close to being innate - I'm always interested to watch the celebrity laps on Top Gear and to see whose driving flows and whose driving is all jerky.
As a side note, if ever I see someone driving really well then I instantly check my speed, because the chances are they're a traffic officer in an unmarked car
Edited by RobM77 on Friday 21st November 12:57
Smooth steering (no sawing at the wheel),
smooth braking (& no comfort braking)
smooth gear-changes,
Being in the correct gear BEFORE a hazard/bend not just after starting to accelerate out of/away from it,
smooth use of the throttle,
Balancing the car,
good road spacing,
"acceleration sense",
no road rage,
good observation/anticipation of surroundings & conditions (and calm responses) , few 'surprises',
smooth and considered overtaking,
good progress in all conditions, considering forward vision and grip.
smooth braking (& no comfort braking)
smooth gear-changes,
Being in the correct gear BEFORE a hazard/bend not just after starting to accelerate out of/away from it,
smooth use of the throttle,
Balancing the car,
good road spacing,
"acceleration sense",
no road rage,
good observation/anticipation of surroundings & conditions (and calm responses) , few 'surprises',
smooth and considered overtaking,
good progress in all conditions, considering forward vision and grip.
Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 21st November 13:02
Dealing with any blind corner with caution rather than blundering round it hoping the exit is clear.
Not sitting in lanes 2 or 3 for days at a time, or if they are, spotting another car behind and getting out of the way.
Not braking all the way down hills, or if another car comes the other way.
A fully roadworthy car with a full complement of working lights
Not faffing with a phone or reading
Not sitting in lanes 2 or 3 for days at a time, or if they are, spotting another car behind and getting out of the way.
Not braking all the way down hills, or if another car comes the other way.
A fully roadworthy car with a full complement of working lights
Not faffing with a phone or reading
1. Following at a safe / considerate distance even when trying to 'press on'
2. Decisive overtaking i.e. not dithering about in a faster lane on the m way when overtaking
3. Not hogging a lane when the inner lane is clear
4. Anyone who can heel'n toe a manual box is clearly pretty 'handy'
2. Decisive overtaking i.e. not dithering about in a faster lane on the m way when overtaking
3. Not hogging a lane when the inner lane is clear
4. Anyone who can heel'n toe a manual box is clearly pretty 'handy'
Someone who judges the road very well, so ease off to go around a bend, not flash brake lights all the time.
Someone who sees that the traffic lights are red and can time it so they get there as the go green.
Someone who's car has working lights all round.
Someone who lets people out, but considers the flow of the road (i.e sat in traffic, waves out well in advance, or when moving eases off 250yrds further up and flashes headlights/do what's necassary.
People who instead of forcing their way into a non-existant gap will find one large enough so the driver behind doesn't have to slow.
If driver is let out, says thankyou with a flash of hazards if dark/hand up if light.
Driver will not bring whole road to a halt because he wants to merge
will not try and make merges awkward for other drivers.
Will only use horn in extreme cases.
Will anticipate upcoming hazards (kids walking down side of road with ball) and adjust speed accordingly.
will stick to/hover around speed limits in built up area.
If pulling over, will avoid making awkward to be passed for other road users.
A considerate, forward thinking driver. Not someone who races up to lights, emergency stops, then try to stop people merging.
Someone who sees that the traffic lights are red and can time it so they get there as the go green.
Someone who's car has working lights all round.
Someone who lets people out, but considers the flow of the road (i.e sat in traffic, waves out well in advance, or when moving eases off 250yrds further up and flashes headlights/do what's necassary.
People who instead of forcing their way into a non-existant gap will find one large enough so the driver behind doesn't have to slow.
If driver is let out, says thankyou with a flash of hazards if dark/hand up if light.
Driver will not bring whole road to a halt because he wants to merge
will not try and make merges awkward for other drivers.
Will only use horn in extreme cases.
Will anticipate upcoming hazards (kids walking down side of road with ball) and adjust speed accordingly.
will stick to/hover around speed limits in built up area.
If pulling over, will avoid making awkward to be passed for other road users.
A considerate, forward thinking driver. Not someone who races up to lights, emergency stops, then try to stop people merging.
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