Driving in the UK didn't seem so bad today...
Discussion
I never thought I'd say it, but I was actually happy to be surrounded by MLMs and w
kers in rep mobiles on my commute today. At least they're fairly predictable.
I've just returned from a short holiday in Malta where I drove a not-so-massive 290 miles. In that time I saw no less than 7 accidents, with at least 2 fatalities.
Quite how this is possible I've no idea. The only people that seem to do more than 30mph ANYWHERE are the bus drivers, which drive everywhere flat out and beeping at lot. Everyone else pootles along in a world of their own at around 25mph no matter what the speed limit is. When someone wants to do 28mph they start an overtake, but don't plan the move and action it quickly, they simply roll past at a few MPH faster, drifting in and out of lanes / conciousness.
I guess part of the blame for the many accidents can be shouldered by the road surface they use, which I'm 99% sure is a mix of tarmac and teflon. It offered so little grip, even the rental lump of 1.3 awesomeness could break traction in second.
We joke about indicators being optional on BMWs here, I literally didn't see them being used for days at a time. Lane discipline was none existent, but when the direction signs on the roundabouts are placed just past the exit you're looking for is hardly surprising.
Surprisingly there was a lot of nice cars out there. I saw the usual mix of Italian supercars but also some beautifully maintained old machines that really made me smile.
The only benefit of such a laid back driving style is if you let yourself slip into the routine, nothing bothers you and nothing anyone else can do bothers you. With the Island only 30 miles across at the widest, it doesn't take long to get anywhere. Even at 25mph.
kers in rep mobiles on my commute today. At least they're fairly predictable.I've just returned from a short holiday in Malta where I drove a not-so-massive 290 miles. In that time I saw no less than 7 accidents, with at least 2 fatalities.
Quite how this is possible I've no idea. The only people that seem to do more than 30mph ANYWHERE are the bus drivers, which drive everywhere flat out and beeping at lot. Everyone else pootles along in a world of their own at around 25mph no matter what the speed limit is. When someone wants to do 28mph they start an overtake, but don't plan the move and action it quickly, they simply roll past at a few MPH faster, drifting in and out of lanes / conciousness.
I guess part of the blame for the many accidents can be shouldered by the road surface they use, which I'm 99% sure is a mix of tarmac and teflon. It offered so little grip, even the rental lump of 1.3 awesomeness could break traction in second.
We joke about indicators being optional on BMWs here, I literally didn't see them being used for days at a time. Lane discipline was none existent, but when the direction signs on the roundabouts are placed just past the exit you're looking for is hardly surprising.
Surprisingly there was a lot of nice cars out there. I saw the usual mix of Italian supercars but also some beautifully maintained old machines that really made me smile.
The only benefit of such a laid back driving style is if you let yourself slip into the routine, nothing bothers you and nothing anyone else can do bothers you. With the Island only 30 miles across at the widest, it doesn't take long to get anywhere. Even at 25mph.
jon- said:
I guess part of the blame for the many accidents can be shouldered by the road surface they use, which I'm 99% sure is a mix of tarmac and teflon. It offered so little grip, even the rental lump of 1.3 awesomeness could break traction in second.
Same problem I had in Spain. 1.2 8v Clio on Bridgestones couldn't keep traction - the roads were pure black and shiny, I assume with baked on tyre rubber. It was like driving on polished marble.
Tsippy said:
I remember my holiday in Malta, the tour guide told us
"Rules of the road in Malta are - Biggest vehicle has right of way"
Seemed to be true
We were told the same thing first time we went."Rules of the road in Malta are - Biggest vehicle has right of way"
Seemed to be true
At that time (1994) there was only one set of traffic lights, allegedly, so everyone ignored them
I was driving there the other week. Favourite part was how they treat round-abouts:
1) Ignore the 'give way' mark and proceed directly into round-about.
2) Look to your right (remember - they drive on the left too).
3a) If car is coming, proceed.
3b) If car is not coming, proceed.
If a car does the same to you, beep.
Strangely it kind of worked - I guess because everybody expects it.
1) Ignore the 'give way' mark and proceed directly into round-about.
2) Look to your right (remember - they drive on the left too).
3a) If car is coming, proceed.
3b) If car is not coming, proceed.
If a car does the same to you, beep.
Strangely it kind of worked - I guess because everybody expects it.
Hehe as a malteser who now resides in the UK I know where you are coming from. The trick is not to get annoyed with the driving and to hire a small car so you do not get involved otherwise it would spoil your holiday. Also best to drive in the shade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8287plrclfg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8287plrclfg
TX1 said:
Hehe as a malteser who now resides in the UK I know where you are coming from. The trick is not to get annoyed with the driving and to hire a small car so you do not get involved otherwise it would spoil your holiday. Also best to drive in the shade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8287plrclfg
So why does everyone rock around at 20mph, even on the straightest widest roads?!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8287plrclfg
frosted said:
The roads and driving in the uk is generally better than anywhere else .
Why we moan , because were English and there's nothing else more we like than a good moan
Go and drive in Germany. 99% of the road users there have impeccable discipline and awareness. It makes Blighty look like down-town Mumbai. Why we moan , because were English and there's nothing else more we like than a good moan
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