Its getting stupid now:

Lemonade_Pockets

You think? I saw the interview and the woman in question really didn't seem to be saying that a whole lot - she seemed quite reasonable about it all. I thought it was another case of the BBC trying to put words in people's mouths to get a better story...

I can't remember her exact words but she definately supported the correlation rather than saying her daughters plight would have been the same regardless of the programmes on TV.

But your right both parties where playing it safe. They should of got clarkson on.

My quarell isn't with this particular woman more that the idea is even been considered let alone worthy of 5minute slot on breakfast news.

Idiophreak

diddlydum wrote: »

They seem to be weaving from the inside of the traffic line to the outside, or vice versa, to cut through the queue quicker. Several times I've had to swerve or stamp on the brakes to avoid hitting them, which is absolutely ridiculous when I'm only doing 10mph in a line of traffic.

I assume whilst you're complaining of them being 2" in front of you, you *are* keeping the correct 27ft stopping distance (at 10mph) between yourself and the car in front?

diddlydum

Idiophreak wrote: »

I assume whilst you're complaining of them being 2" in front of you, you *are* keeping the correct 27ft stopping distance (at 10mph) between yourself and the car in front?

You might well scoff, but yes I usually am!

The fact that the Highway Code stopping distances are 40 years out of date is by the by...

flossy_splodge

diddlydum wrote: »

Most people think their driving is acceptable. I'm sure the old granny doing 27mph on a dual carriageway thought she was driving safely too.

The test now is very hard, but the tests in the 1960s and 1970s were really quite easy in comparison. Those are the drivers who are causing the problems. A test every 5-10 years would help people's driving and make the roads safer.

Interesting genealisation.
I passed my test in the early 70's.
I have NEVER written off a car, driven after drinking; exceeded the speed limit in built up areas eg towns etc etc. (Or exceeded the speed limit by more than about 5 mph to pass a slow moving vehicle on a motorway).
A family member in mid 20's has just written off a 2nd car in 6 months due solely to poor driving.
perhaps generalisations are best kept for comic books and each case considered on its own merits?

DCodd

diddlydum wrote: »

They seem to be weaving from the inside of the traffic line to the outside, or vice versa, to cut through the queue quicker. Several times I've had to swerve or stamp on the brakes to avoid hitting them, which is absolutely ridiculous when I'm only doing 10mph in a line of traffic.

A favourite of mine, too, is the number of cyclists I see riding down the dual carriageway, getting in everyone's way, when there's a dedicated cycle path on the pavement.

It seems to be novices who don't understand how to ride properly. The ones I see in winter don't ride like this.

As a driver and a cyclist I would like to point out three things.

1) most roads do not have cycle lanes and I have actually been told to get back on the dual carriageway and off the pavement by the police twice now on the A217

2) If the cyclist is in front of you then they are not in your way but you are OVERTAKING THEM!

3) if the cyclist is wearing anything lycra then they will more than likely be a self-centered, brain-dead Moron with absolutely no road sense and a deathwish to match!!!!!!

Indout96

1) Mandatory re-testing every 12/24 months

That would do 100% of nothing really (maybe get a few very bad drivers of the road) Our distribution dept have to re-take their forklift licence every two years (cheaper insurance) as soon as they get back to the warehouse it is business as usual. I have to do the advanced course in a couple of weeks due to driving company cars at work but as I drive home I will be excedding the speed limit.

Idiophreak

Indout96 wrote: »

That would do 100% of nothing really (maybe get a few very bad drivers of the road)

That seems kinda contradictory?

The point is to get very bad drivers off the road, so it seems it would do 100% of something?

It won't get rid of all poor drivers, obviously...but it'll weed out those that aren't capable of going above 40 on a dual carriage way, those that are incapable of looking in their mirrors, people who don't understand lane disciple, people that don't know how to turn their fog lights on and off and so on...

Indout96

That seems kinda contradictory?

True I didnt word it very well:o

But the point I was trying to make was that unless they are really useless they will be able to drive round at 30 for 1/2 an hour looking in mirrors ect but as soon as it is over they will revert back to type. Or worst case licence taken away will just drive without one.

The only way I can see it getting better is more police on the roads, Cameras do not catch bad drivers.

As an ex motorcyclist (albeit 28 years ago) I am still amazed at how long it takes most car driver to see a hazard in front of them, maybe all car drivers need to have bike licences first ?? bit impractical but I'm sure it makes me safer.

Idiophreak

Indout96 wrote: »

But the point I was trying to make was that unless they are really useless they will be able to drive round at 30 for 1/2 an hour looking in mirrors ect but as soon as it is over they will revert back to type. Or worst case licence taken away will just drive without one.

Not really interested in catching people speeding though, tbh - we have all the cameras etc for that. Tests are for identifying poor drivers - and bad habits, lack of control of the vehicle, low confidence, over hesitancy and so on are all things it's very hard to just turn off for a half hour.

Aggressive tendencies and driving without a licence are bigger issues - and that's why my second point was to increase the amount of patrols and spot checks - the two things need to go hand in hand.

DCodd

Indout96 wrote: »

True I didnt word it very well:o


As an ex motorcyclist (albeit 28 years ago) I am still amazed at how long it takes most car driver to see a hazard in front of them, maybe all car drivers need to have bike licences first ?? bit impractical but I'm sure it makes me safer.

Gonna start a row now! Upto this June when it runs out I have a Class 1 HGV (C+E) licence and I agree with Indout96 that holding a licence for a vehicle that requires you to have a greater degree of awareness of other road users is very benefical.

However to reduce the number a fatalities on the road it would be usefull to have a jay walking law here as it makes the pedestrian responsible for their own safety and would stop the idiots running out and pushing their push chairs out into moving traffic because the road is for motor vehicles and the pavement for pedestrians!!!