Why do drivers speed up and close the gap when you try and change lanes?!!

Mr_Thrifty

LincolnshireYokel wrote: »

Nah i stayed in the car. In actual fact if you get out the car first you'll be the one charged with S.5 Public Order, so I always stay in the car. But she really enraged me , she closed the gap deliberately and thought it was very funny and clever, and then thought shed stick two fingers up by smiling and waving, it made my blood boil it was completely unnecessary - if it had been the other way round id have made a gap for her and let her in.

The best thing to do is just stay calm and understand that the reason they do things like this is because they are as frustrated and angry as you are that the UK's roads are so congested. It is a sad situation these days but happens all too often sadly. Some women can be very aggressive but it is usually nothing personal, I think it is just part of their nature (protective and competitive etc)

Also, clearly you know the law very well - I would love to hear any more tips for situations like this (e.g. things like what to do if somebody accuses you of something, etc). Sort of like a "top tips for difficult situations" list.

arcon5

I wouldn't call a 2-3 second gap 'safe' for another car to jump in.

arcon5

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

The reason they do it is because otherwise people steal their braking distance. Basically, they're trying to prevent the person who wants to change lanes from forcing their way in without having enough space to do so safely.

Think about it. If they have left a 2-3 second gap and you slot in the middle, now they only have a 1 second gap or so. In effect, you have forced them to either brake or move back just so that they're not tailgating you.

Essentially, when they see you about to push in, they close the gap to say 1.5 seconds (so that you dare not risk moving into something that small), in preference to you getting there first and closing it down to say 1 second.

No it's not.
They do it to be **

Mr_Thrifty

arcon5 wrote: »

No it's not.
They do it to be **

why would anyone deliberately be like that?? :-(

i always try to think that people are inherently good

if they're rude on the roads then probably something has upset them, it could be anything really

arcon5

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

why would anyone deliberately be like that?? :-(

i always try to think that people are inherently good

if they're rude on the roads then probably something has upset them, it could be anything really

Some people get really funny when it comes to cars jumping in front of them, over taking them and like. More so (in my experience) when they've been stuck in a queue for a short while. These are also the type of people that will happily block exits rather than letting you out because they don't want that 1 more car in front of them.

Being in a driving job at the moment and driving being a significant part of my working day for the last 5-6 years this is just an every day part of life. I now pick my spots more carefully if I need to change lanes, looking for somebody more likely to let me in (where possible of course).

Sad, isn't it?

Tobster86

wba31 wrote: »

needless, if someone doesnt respond as you expect them to, or as you would, violence is not needed. did i mention my wife was in the car on friday? she was shaking with fear. the guy on the bike was about 55-60, and not very scary. Im 27, 6"2 and pretty well built, but it still shook her up.

I'd suggest you're well within reason to make a citizens arrest by that point.

Literally just put the !!!!!! on the floor and sit on him until the police arrive. Aikido's a good martial art for that which I'd recommend to everyone.

interstellaflyer

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

The reason they do it is because otherwise people steal their braking distance. Basically, they're trying to prevent the person who wants to change lanes from forcing their way in without having enough space to do so safely.

Think about it. If they have left a 2-3 second gap and you slot in the middle, now they only have a 1 second gap or so. In effect, you have forced them to either brake or move back just so that they're not tailgating you.

Essentially, when they see you about to push in, they close the gap to say 1.5 seconds (so that you dare not risk moving into something that small), in preference to you getting there first and closing it down to say 1 second.

So by accelerating to close the gap aren't they bringing their braking distance down anyway, surely a good driver would just ease off and maintain a safe braking distance, what the OP is describing is just plain ignorance.

bazster

arcon5 wrote: »

Being in a driving job at the moment and driving being a significant part of my working day for the last 5-6 years this is just an every day part of life. I now pick my spots more carefully if I need to change lanes, looking for somebody more likely to let me in (where possible of course).

Don't pick your spots, they'll spread.

Sorry, I'll get my coat...

LincolnshireYokel

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

why would anyone deliberately be like that?? :-(

i always try to think that people are inherently good

if they're rude on the roads then probably something has upset them, it could be anything really

See, Ive noticed on these boards a naive childish folorn optimistic hope that peopel are nice and do the right thing. At my age, Ive learned that its best to assume whoever you are dealing with is a crook, and will scam you if possible, and therefore be prepared beforehand for the dirty tricks. If they dont do anything nasty you ok, no damage. If they do do anything nasty, then you're ready for it. But walking round wide eyed and innocent pretending the world is all roses and butterflies will just get your wallet emptied faster than you can blink.

Norman_Castle

The other day the car next to my nose shuffled forward to make a gap, and before i could move the stupid little tart in the car behind him, in a pink Ford Ka, moved forward and closed the gap. I bipped my horn and gesticulated about the gap, the silly cow just waved and smiled - she closed the gap quite deliberately.

She's driving a pink Ka. It's unlikely she's a rocket scientist. I would have pointed at the car and laughed.