Using the handbrake when stopping at lights and junctions

Sea_Shell

Getting picky now...yes I am aware it's mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Unless that's changed in 30 years.

Car_54

Sea_Shell wrote: »

Getting picky now...yes I am aware it's mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Unless that's changed in 30 years.

Sorry to be even more picky, but it's MirrorS. Even 30 years ago you probably had more than one;).

Mercdriver

Sea_Shell wrote: »

Getting picky now...yes I am aware it's mirror, signal, manoeuvre. Unless that's changed in 30 years.

I believe there are four steps now. As above but including Position.

The most annoying thing about auto indicating is that people simply aren't looking. This is evident on the motorway when some idiot is right up the chuff of a HGV, indicates and just moves immediately on indication. Never mind even a glance in the mirrors + blind spot check.

Car_54

Mercdriver wrote: »

I believe there are four steps now. As above but including Position.

No, it's still MSM, but the manoeuvre element can be broken down into:



Position - Speed (or Speed/Gear) - Look


Giving you MSPSL or MSPSGL. Neither of which exactly trips off the tongue.

Robisere

jk0 wrote: »

Another handbrake user of 37 years driving here. I keep an eye on the other light phases, then you can make a good guess when to put the car in gear.

Exactly what I do, after years at this junction. At the 5-phase lights, I wait until the one directly across drives off, then select gear, release handbrake and by then 'my' light is green. The lights directly across are the 4th and last phase before 'mine'. I have noticed others who have been in front of me several times: they do not seem to have worked this out yet!:p


And now I have veered wildly off topic, along with everyone else.


OP, please apply your handbrake at lights and junctions. Your instructor should not comment unless to say "well done".

building_with_lego

no1catman wrote: »

.... After all by the time I get there - still moving they may change.

I was taught to do this when I learnt a few years ago- keeping the vehicle moving *if possible* means that you avoid that expensive first metre- and I love to drive a whole journey without stopping. My OH will maintain his speed for far longer than me, then brake and stop (handbrake ON!) where I would be creeping, crawling, trying to keep moving. It doesn't always work, of course, but more often than not it does.

The flip side is where/ when traffic is so heavy that even green lights don't leave enough room for me to progress through. The dazzle from others' brake lights is exhausting at times, and my children know the phrase, "Handbrake, neutral!" many years before they will learn to drive, because I say it at so many people each journey.

almillar

Pulling out? It's standard practice to check all round, and signal only if another road user would benefit.

As far as I'm aware, for the 'L' test standard (the standard that most people are taught to), you just indicate anyway. Deciding whether anyone around would benefit, is part of advanced tests.

Joe_Horner

facade wrote: »

Even today hand signals might be better than indicators...

Not least because the only lights signal for "slow down" is on the back of your car, which the guy coming the other way towards the speed trap you just passed can't see.... :beer:

Car_54

almillar wrote: »

As far as I'm aware, for the 'L' test standard (the standard that most people are taught to), you just indicate anyway. Deciding whether anyone around would benefit, is part of advanced tests.

“Just indicating anyway” is marked as a fault on test except at junctions, where the candidate is not expected to have the experience to judge whether anyone would benefit. Signalling before moving off or pulling in, if no-one would benefit, is evidence of ineffective (or no) .observation

SabNys

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https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/7-things-you-should-never-do-in-a-manual-car/