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August 19, 2008
Motoring manners ....
Yesterday's trip down to Yeovil (Work, not pleasure!) proved interesting but also provided me with some opportunity to consider the behaviours of some of my fellow travellers. There were the usual lane dodgers, weaving, ducking and diving from one lane to another - and I have to say that the Highway Code is a bit out of date in my view on this - coupled with those who obey the HC and pull over to the "slow" lane when the road is clear ahead, even when they can see a huge lumbering truck barely a few hundred yards ahead and which they must pull out again to overtake. But its what the Highway Code demands! So we have enforced "lane dodging" as well as the cowboy version. And then you have the caravaners who travel so slowly even the trucks are forced to overtake them ....
Going down was fine until around Weston super Mare, then the rain started. Why do so many people in Britain drive nromally in the dry - and become idiots as soon as it rains? I drive like a fire fighter - I acknowledge that, but some people panic as soon as they get alongside a large vehicle throwing up spray. Instead of pushing through it steadily with the wipers on fast mode - they brake.
Coming home I had three close encounters as I overtook people and one of the drivers started hooting and waving his fists - after he put his indicators on AFTER I had started to draw ahead of him (I do watch my wing mirrors as I overtake!) and simply pulled out, causing me to swerve to avoid. If there had been anything on my right it would have been interesting. I took his number and reported it to the police who didn''t seem that concerned anyway, so hey ho on we go. I've noticed lately that this is a problem with a number of motorists on our motorways. You are right along side them when suddenly on goes the indicator and they immediately start to change lanes - expecting you to give them room.
Yes, I know I'm getting older and starting to be more cautious than I was in my misspent youff, but still, I drive with my eyes on what's happening around me - and even when I'm really in a hurry - try to consider the motorist overtaking me as well as my own convenience.
It must be my age!
Posted by The Gray Monk at August 19, 2008 10:17 AM
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Comments
Hi,
I'm a first time visitor to your site and I was interested in the Motoring Manners blog. I don't think it's an age thing. I'm 22 and I get extremely irritated by people not having courtesy on the road. I live in Leeds and I think general manners on the road go amiss over here. Roundabouts bug me most, people cutting you up because they don't understand lane discipline, pulling out in front of you, and not signaling!!!!!! The list would go on!!!
I'm planning on creating a mini campaign just to remind people on approach to roundabouts to signal, and other polite things. I'm not sure of the statistics but I'm sure more accidents occur due to ignorance than alcohol.....
What do you think?
Thanx
Sarah
Posted by: sarah wright at March 20, 2009 05:54 PM