How do you cope with slow, dawdling, indecisive drivers?

[jools182]

I know I need to chill out, but I'm getting so frustrated these days, even on short journeys

This morning for example. Bin truck was down the street. He saw me getting in the car, and starting it up and as soon as I started setting off he moved and blocked me in the drive, so admittedly I was already not in the best frame of mind

Next junction a Discovery pulled out, and then proceeded to do a fluctuating speed of between 18 and 25. I tried to remain calm as he was weaving all over the road, braking for no apparent reason etc

I eventually got a safe overtaking opportunity only to be met by a Defender who was at a standstill in the road with no traffic in front of him. No idea what he was doing, looking at the scenery perhaps? He started moving off, then eventually pulled over in a layby

Then I was behind a 206, who was again doing between 20-30 in a 40 zone, braking for puddles (?), braking when a car came in the other direction

So I arrive at work feeling so wound up

I know people will say set off earlier, relax, etc

I'm not saying anyone should race around with their arse on fire, or break speed limits, but the driving standards here are shocking. People don't pay attention to anything around them, drive at the same 25mph in 30 and 40 zones, there is no flow to traffic at all, just constant start stop

I've driven in Europe quite a lot and this problem just doesn't seem to exist there. You actually feel like you are getting to your destination rather than feeling like you're being held up. I just wonder what it is about this country that makes people drive like that.

[jools182]

toon10 said:

Sometimes if I'm on a fun road over in the Lakes for example and there's a dawdler in front but it's not safe to pass, I'll pull over, admire the view and wait a few minutes then go again. I enjoy the drive more, they don't get intimadated and everyones a winner.

I do that quite a lot if I'm just out for a drive in the countryside

[jools182]

Moonhawk said:

Part of the problem IMO is the message "slow driving = safe driving" seems to have settled into many drivers minds. Doesn't matter that their speed is inconsistent and unpredictable, that they have poor lane discipline, make poor decisions holding up traffic flow and that they make poor use of mirrors and signals......the fact that they are driving well below the speed limit makes their driving safe.....and that's all they need to know.

Hardly a day goes by these days where I don't see people driving like this - and even what should be a straight forward journey on relatively clear roads is punctuated by having to deal with such drivers.

As long as the speed kills drum is still being beaten and poor driving of the kind mentioned above goes unpunished - there is no incentive to change. You just have to accept it - getting wound up will do you no good and could lead to you making a mistake - further reinforcing the idea in these peoples minds that they are the good safe drivers - and you are the evil, speeding maniac.

This +100, sums up my feelings entirely

[jools182]

ORD said:

The speed limit IS a target. It is the speed at which you should be driving if the conditions mean that it is safe to do so. Driving below the speed limit when the speed limit would be a safe speed is bad driving.

agreed