Speed limit for all occasions
Discussion
I'm sure we've all seen them.
The car coming up in the rear view mirror determined to do the speed limit regardless of conditions. In an NLS they make risky overtakes if you dare to drive at less because it's wet, or foggy, or gale force winds, or there are walkers / cyclist / whatever around (common in these parts in the summer).
I had one in a Range Rover yesterday on a local single carriageway NSL - standing water on the bends, heavy driving rain, gusts of 50+mph, and 2 feet from my bumper because I'd slowed from my usual 60 - 65 to just over 50.
Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
My theory is that they do this because they're actually just as incapable of judging appropriate speed or assessing hazards for themselves.
Now, I have no doubt (this being PH) that, while the similar thread re 45mph everywhere has been getting a lot of agreement, this will be denouced 9at least by some) as trolling.
But I'm genuinely interested to see if I'm the only one out there who sees any sort of hard-and-fast approach to speed (ie: "always drive at xx" OR "always aim for the limit") as a sign of poor awareness and "driving-by-numbers"?
The car coming up in the rear view mirror determined to do the speed limit regardless of conditions. In an NLS they make risky overtakes if you dare to drive at less because it's wet, or foggy, or gale force winds, or there are walkers / cyclist / whatever around (common in these parts in the summer).
I had one in a Range Rover yesterday on a local single carriageway NSL - standing water on the bends, heavy driving rain, gusts of 50+mph, and 2 feet from my bumper because I'd slowed from my usual 60 - 65 to just over 50.
Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
My theory is that they do this because they're actually just as incapable of judging appropriate speed or assessing hazards for themselves.
Now, I have no doubt (this being PH) that, while the similar thread re 45mph everywhere has been getting a lot of agreement, this will be denouced 9at least by some) as trolling.
But I'm genuinely interested to see if I'm the only one out there who sees any sort of hard-and-fast approach to speed (ie: "always drive at xx" OR "always aim for the limit") as a sign of poor awareness and "driving-by-numbers"?
i didn't know the daughters boyfriend drove a range rover, they have a fiesta on the drive 
seriously, he is one of these people, raining, still drives the same way, foggy the other week roars off to work, doesn't even seem to take it any easier when it's frosty / snowy from what I can see and we have 2 old peoples homes in our road as well.
he's 28 and only passed his test 18 months ago.
funny how everyone else on the road is a 'mong' and he has so many close calls, still can't work out the common denominator though.
seriously, he is one of these people, raining, still drives the same way, foggy the other week roars off to work, doesn't even seem to take it any easier when it's frosty / snowy from what I can see and we have 2 old peoples homes in our road as well.
he's 28 and only passed his test 18 months ago.
funny how everyone else on the road is a 'mong' and he has so many close calls, still can't work out the common denominator though.
So what's wrong with abiding to 30 through what appears a clear empty village?
You're a dick if you ignore them imo.
Posted as resident of a small 30 mph village where a paperboy was killed one sleepy Sunday morning by an inconsiderate w
ker that thought it was fine to make up his own limit because 30 mph for 1 mile would have cost him ~30 seconds of his life.
You're a dick if you ignore them imo.
Posted as resident of a small 30 mph village where a paperboy was killed one sleepy Sunday morning by an inconsiderate w
ker that thought it was fine to make up his own limit because 30 mph for 1 mile would have cost him ~30 seconds of his life.I stick to the rural 30s and 40s and try to maintain the speed limit NSL/50 in between where the conditions allow.
I can understand you're annoyance at being tailgated when your judgement tells you to go slower. That their vehicle is, in their judgement, capable of safely going faster is fine too. That you don't see fit to slow down in places where there is greater risk of accident and enforcement is fair target for criticism too.
Ever thought of slowing further when there is an opportunity for the car behind to overtake to gracefully facilitate a safe overtake?
I can understand you're annoyance at being tailgated when your judgement tells you to go slower. That their vehicle is, in their judgement, capable of safely going faster is fine too. That you don't see fit to slow down in places where there is greater risk of accident and enforcement is fair target for criticism too.
Ever thought of slowing further when there is an opportunity for the car behind to overtake to gracefully facilitate a safe overtake?
Variomatic said:
I'm sure we've all seen them.
Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
What else are they supposed to do? Sunday morning is a favourite time for speed traps, and the straight road past the end of the village is obviously going to be a favourite spot.Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
What really annoys me are those who use the last couple of hundred yards of 30 limit to overtake me before the NSL, then sit at 45-50 in the NSL holding me up.
You might be willing to risk your licence, I'm not going to risk mine.
Sounds like the OP is a fan of the '40 everywhere' brigade - someone who thinks they are 'above' having to follow limits so drives up your arse through a 30mph section then carries on at 40 in an NSL.
If you are getting annoyed at people following a speed limit (not below or above it, but merely sticking to the limit), then the problem's with you, not them...
If you are getting annoyed at people following a speed limit (not below or above it, but merely sticking to the limit), then the problem's with you, not them...
shandyboy said:
Sounds like the OP is a fan of the '40 everywhere' brigade - someone who thinks they are 'above' having to follow limits so drives up your arse through a 30mph section then carries on at 40 in an NSL.
If you are getting annoyed at people following a speed limit (not below or above it, but merely sticking to the limit), then the problem's with you, not them...
Given the title of the thread I suspect this is a wind up against this oneIf you are getting annoyed at people following a speed limit (not below or above it, but merely sticking to the limit), then the problem's with you, not them...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
OP - just because you can't see round bends and drive through puddles doesn't mean others can't. You'll also find that most people on the advanced driving section stick to all speed limits except NSL limits where its a free for all. Its about knowing when and where.
Variomatic said:
I'm sure we've all seen them.
The car coming up in the rear view mirror determined to do the speed limit regardless of conditions. In an NLS they make risky overtakes if you dare to drive at less because it's wet, or foggy, or gale force winds, or there are walkers / cyclist / whatever around (common in these parts in the summer).
I had one in a Range Rover yesterday on a local single carriageway NSL - standing water on the bends, heavy driving rain, gusts of 50+mph, and 2 feet from my bumper because I'd slowed from my usual 60 - 65 to just over 50.
Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
My theory is that they do this because they're actually just as incapable of judging appropriate speed or assessing hazards for themselves.
Now, I have no doubt (this being PH) that, while the similar thread re 45mph everywhere has been getting a lot of agreement, this will be denouced 9at least by some) as trolling.
But I'm genuinely interested to see if I'm the only one out there who sees any sort of hard-and-fast approach to speed (ie: "always drive at xx" OR "always aim for the limit") as a sign of poor awareness and "driving-by-numbers"?
Are you genuinely saying, on an open public forum, that you exceed the posted limits?The car coming up in the rear view mirror determined to do the speed limit regardless of conditions. In an NLS they make risky overtakes if you dare to drive at less because it's wet, or foggy, or gale force winds, or there are walkers / cyclist / whatever around (common in these parts in the summer).
I had one in a Range Rover yesterday on a local single carriageway NSL - standing water on the bends, heavy driving rain, gusts of 50+mph, and 2 feet from my bumper because I'd slowed from my usual 60 - 65 to just over 50.
Then, when you reach a 40 or - heaven forbid - a 30, they slow down and abide by it even when it's perfect conditions on a straight road, no turn-offs, through a sleepy village on a Sunday morning with no-one and nothing in sight. They also keep to the posted limit right up to the signs even when the council, in their wisdom, have continued it for half a mile of absolutely straight road past the end of whatever it's in place for.
My theory is that they do this because they're actually just as incapable of judging appropriate speed or assessing hazards for themselves.
Now, I have no doubt (this being PH) that, while the similar thread re 45mph everywhere has been getting a lot of agreement, this will be denouced 9at least by some) as trolling.
But I'm genuinely interested to see if I'm the only one out there who sees any sort of hard-and-fast approach to speed (ie: "always drive at xx" OR "always aim for the limit") as a sign of poor awareness and "driving-by-numbers"?
Here's hoping a few points and fines teach you a lesson before someone gets hurt.
It's because of drivers like you lower limits are imposed and enforcement so strict. If you and your ilk had any sense there would be no need for the draconian measures we currently enjoy.
Unbelievable.
LordGrover said:
Are you genuinely saying, on an open public forum, that you exceed the posted limits?
Here's hoping a few points and fines teach you a lesson before someone gets hurt.
It's because of drivers like you lower limits are imposed and enforcement so strict. If you and your ilk had any sense there would be no need for the draconian measures we currently enjoy.
Unbelievable.
I hope his post is tongue in cheek and the point he's making is "which is worse, those who drive at the speed limit regardless of conditions or those that drive at any speed so long as they feel its appropriate to the conditions and exercise judgement". He's made it really badly though if that is what he's saying.Here's hoping a few points and fines teach you a lesson before someone gets hurt.
It's because of drivers like you lower limits are imposed and enforcement so strict. If you and your ilk had any sense there would be no need for the draconian measures we currently enjoy.
Unbelievable.
I like to think I drive to the latter, but that includes recognizing that the speed limit is in itself a indication of unseen dangers (we can debate if thats always true but until you've driven a road you'd never know) and that exceeding the speed limit in itself poses a risk to my licence. "Appropropriate" speed therefore takes into account the limit.
Jonsv8 said:
I like to think I drive to the latter, but that includes recognizing that the speed limit is in itself a indication of unseen dangers (we can debate if thats always true but until you've driven a road you'd never know) and that exceeding the speed limit in itself poses a risk to my licence. "Appropropriate" speed therefore takes into account the limit.
Bingo.As for the "is it always true" matter with speed limits, allow me to offer conclusive proof that it isn't:
This is a view in a 30mph limit, with the change to NSL just about visible at the red arrow.
Although a photo from streetview obviously doesn't give the whole picture, anyone who's been there will know that there is obviously no hidden danger. You don't need to "know the road" to assess that in this case - it's a very easy road to read.
The limit goes back to when Anglesey Aluminium was still operating and was only there to make entry and exit (from the side road visible on the right) possible at shift changes. the rest of the time it was not needed, and since the place has been closed for over 2 years it's not needed at all.
Ignoring risks to your licence (which aren't safety related), there isn't any problem at all in accelerating towards that limit change when other conditions such as weather, traffic and pedestrians allow. Anyone who says there's a safety risk just because it's 30 isn't looking at and assessing what's in front of their eyes.
Edited by Variomatic on Thursday 2nd April 14:17
Variomatic said:
Bingo.
As for the "is it always true" matter with speed limits, allow me to offer conclusive proof that it isn't:
This is a view in a 30mph limit, with the change to NSL just about visible at the red arrow.
Although a photo from streetview obviously doesn't give the whole picture, anyone who's been there will know that there is obviously no hidden danger. You don't need to "know the road" to assess that in this case - it's a very easy road to read.
The limit goes back to when Anglesey Aluminium was still operating and was only there to make entry and exit (from the side road visible on the right) possible at shift changes. the rest of the time it was not needed, and since the place has been closed for over 2 years it's not needed at all.
Ignoring risks to your licence (which aren't safety related), there isn't any problem at all in accelerating towards that limit change when other conditions such as weather, traffic and pedestrians allow. Anyone who says there's a safety risk just because it's 30 isn't looking at and assessing what's in front of their eyes.
Troll or moron? As for the "is it always true" matter with speed limits, allow me to offer conclusive proof that it isn't:
This is a view in a 30mph limit, with the change to NSL just about visible at the red arrow.
Although a photo from streetview obviously doesn't give the whole picture, anyone who's been there will know that there is obviously no hidden danger. You don't need to "know the road" to assess that in this case - it's a very easy road to read.
The limit goes back to when Anglesey Aluminium was still operating and was only there to make entry and exit (from the side road visible on the right) possible at shift changes. the rest of the time it was not needed, and since the place has been closed for over 2 years it's not needed at all.
Ignoring risks to your licence (which aren't safety related), there isn't any problem at all in accelerating towards that limit change when other conditions such as weather, traffic and pedestrians allow. Anyone who says there's a safety risk just because it's 30 isn't looking at and assessing what's in front of their eyes.
Edited by Variomatic on Thursday 2nd April 14:17
Variomatic said:
Although a photo from streetview obviously doesn't give the whole picture, anyone who's been there will know that there is obviously no hidden danger. You don't need to "know the road" to assess that in this case - it's a very easy road to read.
I know that stretch of road and it is ridiculous. You seem to be driving through open countryside for no apparent reason for ages at 30mph. The police used to love that stretch of road.It makes a very good example for the other thread where people are discussing the blanket adoption of 20mph limits and weather they are held in disrepute.
PottyMouth said:
If someone is driving at the posted limit, where is the problem?
I always adhere to red circle speed limits, regardless of the conditions or time of day. If people want to overtake me, that's their affair.
I think the issue or point is drivers who insist at driving at the speed limit when conditions don't allow. Say it's foggy - visibility means 30 is ok, 60 is suicidal. The contention is some people put blind faith in the speed limit and would try and drive at 60 in a 60 under these conditions. The alternate view us people ignore speed limits and constantly evaluate what they see and drive to those conditions (say 15-20 past a school at kicking out time, 50 if the pavements are clear and visibility is good on a bank holiday, the limit being 30). Which driver is the better driver? I always adhere to red circle speed limits, regardless of the conditions or time of day. If people want to overtake me, that's their affair.
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