Shite driver

[oldcars]

Has anybody noticed how SLOW the british motoring public seem to be driving?

 

We all know about tosspots in A3's trying to go for the land speed record on the M6, I am more concerned with the bell ends who amble along at 30-40mph on roads that have the national speed limit.

 

Bends? WTF are they? Slow right down because my modern car with all it's gizmos may actually fall off the face of the earth if I go too fast over the curves.

 

For the second consecutive day I have driven up the A49 into Warrington - some lovely sweeping bends and plenty of view up ahead (why bikers like it). Queues of sheeple plodding along, no one even trying to overtake.

 

If you saw a silver car going past you on the otherside of the road with it's signal on it was me. In a diesel vectra.

 

If that does'nt make you feel ashamed then nothing will.

I was one of them yesterday. Reliant wont go about 35 mph and hills are fun Should be fixed today with a fresh mot (he hopes!)

[Matt]

I can't say it's much of a problem around my neck of the woods, it's the people who absolutely. Must. Do. 60. Plus. That bother me more on the rural roads and shite weather conditions we have here. On 60 MPH limited roads I almost always do 55 MPH because IMO it's the best compromise between safety and fuel efficiency, the time saving is negligible at best.

 

The only time that slower drivers annoy me is when they slow me down when they had no reason to. For example I once had a guy catch up to and overtake me only to slow me down LESS THAN ONE MILE LATER so he could pull into his driveway. Negatively affected my fuel efficiency for absolutely gain to him, fucking arsehole. Then there are the people who indicate too late/not at all, nothing worse than approaching a roundabout and stopping only to for the person you have stopped for to indicate halfway around the roundabout and not actually get in your way. In town momentum is key, traffic is like a flowing river but people constantly throw huge rocks into said river fucking everything up.

[DS20]

Two candidates for the shite-driver award this morning, on my way from Gy to Lincoln: the first, a potato-faced man in a 57-plate Ford Mondeo who turned right on to the A46 at Caistor, right in front of me. He got up to 35mph (50 limit), oblivious to the car (mine) that had to brake hard to avoid striking him. The fact that he'd removed only half the ice from his windows didn't help. The second, the driver of an 06-plate SWB Transit doing a steady 30mph further down the same road (50 and NSL areas), with over a mile of traffic backed up behind. I suspect he/she thinks that there's not really much of a traffic problem nowadays, apart from all the people in the mirrors.

[wuvvum]

After last night's rant, I didn't get stuck behind a single dawdler all the way to work this morning.  Even the No. 36 Optare Solo was rolling along at 50+.  Weird.

[bub2006]

I was on the scooter yesterday coming down the a60 from Nottingham. Just got to lights in ravenshead to turn left towards Kirkby and got a civic park right up my arse at the lights. I pulled off and he kept a good distance behind me. At next set of lights where I was going straight on he pulled into outside lane which I believe is right turn only. Lights go to green and I notice muppet is to the right of the scooter,not far enough out to overtake and far enough in to cause me to think he would hit me. I imagine he thought I was on a50cc topped out at 32 not a 125. Anyway I backed off to around 45/50 for him to overtake but he didn't,I accelerated up to an indicated 70mph which is about 65 to get a distance from him but he then decided to match my speed and still stick that close behind me I couldn't see his lights. He finally overtakes on the brow of a hill causing me to slam on brakes as he swerves in to avoid hitting oncoming traffic. Next set of lights I tap on his window. Chap aged about 70. I asked him if he wants a kiss. Looks a bit confused and asked why. I reply that if he wants to ride my arse I expect a Fucking kiss. Look of sheer bewilderment on his face by now. Dice with death everyday on 2 wheels

[Junkman]

Has anybody noticed how SLOW the british motoring public seem to be driving?

 

The British seem to enjoy to remain on the road for as long as possible on each journey.

It has become unbearable. I've just returned from a trip to Austria. It was the usual Zombie trail down to Dover. The moment I left the boat the other side, people drove normally,

i.e. they tried to get to their destinations within reasonable amounts of time.

On the way back, everything was normal, until I arrived in Blighty. From that moment on, it was constant dilly dally. Add 3.8 snowflakes around Brum for added hilarity.

 

Nobody in the UK is driving the fuck ON. That's also the sole reason for most of the congestions. It is so annoying, that I'm toying with the idea of giving up driving here altogether.

It just doesn't fucking work like this.

I have never seen people outside Britain hitting the brakes on the motorway when there is nobody in front of them for miles. Nowhere else there is such impertinent lane hugging.

Other peoples drive up to the red light on red and don't stop 35 yards shy of it. If it shows green, they don't decelerate, like they do in Britain. If it turns green, they pull away from it in a fashion that a tanker lorry doesn't pull away from them. On country roads, they overtake tractors and don't utilise their slipstream for miles to better their OMGMPG or something.

If there is nobody approaching at a roundabout, they don't stop. Here, they drive up to a roundabout, stop, then think for a while what to do now. This routine is repeated at each roundabout, because as we all know, each roundabout is different and requires a fresh strategy to be negotiated, which has to be carefully plotted beforehand.

 

Driving in the UK just constantly pisses me off, because everybody is just dawdling about. Add to this, that there is the lowest speed limit in the EU, still, most people seem to be overwhelmed by it and stay way below it. 32 in a 50 zone seems to be considered appropriate and that's when you are lucky enough to end up behind the relatively faster drivers.

[wuvvum]

The only road I've been on which consistently moves at a decent speed is the M4 between Swindon and shortly before Bristol.  I don't know if I've just been lucky, but every time I've driven along that stretch the outside lane has been moving at high two-figure / low three-figure speeds.  I once had to wind my poor little 150K mile diesel AX up to an indicated 96mph just to keep up with the flow of traffic.

 

The M11, on the other hand, is a complete fucking joke.

[MarvinsMom]

thing is that if i'm driving one of the little cars then there is a good chance that i'm dawdling along. 

 

the metro is only a 1000cc, and it is at its most comfortable at 50-60 mph. much more than that and it starts to sound all strained and noisy.

 

the mini is much the same, but running on a 1275 and is at its sweet spot at around 60mph. though been a mini its like going for some sort of record.

 

the odd times that i do venture out onto the motorway in either car, then i'm sat over in the inside lane, giving trucks plenty of space and avoiding the twonks in their german tripe racing each other in the outside lanes. 

[forddeliveryboy]

Too much control. Kerbs which attempt to slow you by suddenly curving out in your path, multiple signs, too many roadmarkings, speed cameras etc. The British driver has disengaged his brain and allows nanny state to control his driving. Brains suddenly re-engage if you dare to overtake someone ambling at 48mph on a good B or A road, of course, with the customary attempt to prevent you overtaking and if failed, the ride on the bumper.

 

Density of traffic doesn't help either. I agree with JM - driving outside England is a joy.

[bub2006]

Regards the mini at a comfortable 60 I have wondered what would be comfortable for the same engine in a metro and with auto box

[wuvvum]

My 1275 auto Metro would roll along at 80 quite happily.  It was hopeless off the line, but quite capable once wound up.

[Junkman]

thing is that if i'm driving one of the little cars then there is a good chance that i'm dawdling along.

 

Here in Britain, even my three cylinder Dishitesyou in Jessie J spec is too fast, because I'm constantly caught up behind some deadfucks who are

 

Just.

Not.

Driving.

On.

 

with their newfangled 3.6 litre turbo intercooler GLXECOBOOSTSPORTOLIFESTYLEs.

 

Nah, man, don't give me that small engine excuse. It's that everyone here is a fucking Zombie at the wheel and nowt else.

[MarvinsMom]

the metro will, with a favourable tail wind, and a down hill gradient hit 80 flat out, and the mini will just about touch 90.

 

but i dont enjoy pushing either car that hard. i much prefer to let 'em roll along at their happy place.

 

its easier on the cars, and easier on me! otherwise, driving either of those cars becomes a chore. and not a joy. 

[willswitchengage]

A counter argument that I use whenever people moan about our low speed limits and 'relaxed' driving style is that, other than the countries home to SAS airlines, we have the safest roads in the world. Considering cars kill over a million people a year, it's nice that we're actually doing something to reduce that.

 

I find driving the the UK far less stressful than abroad. There are 1%ers that are mentioned in this thread, but the 99% are infinitely more courteous than our neighbours across the Manche.

[chaseracer]

...but the 99% are infinitely more courteous than our neighbours across the Manche.

Not in my experience...

[MarvinsMom]

in my experience it depends on what they are driving,

 

anything from hun land though, and they will be driving like a total cunt. PHACKT!!

[RayMK]

An interesting discussion, with a range of views and driving styles described.  I do not get held up by slower drivers, I simply overtake them when it is safe to do so (AND I INDICATE MY INTENTION  USING THOSE FLASHING ORANGE LIGHTS that the manufacturers of my humble Hyundai Stellar and Reliant Regal thoughtfully provided. Apparently, Audis don't have them, or they are far too difficult to use). I do not make it difficult for faster vehicles to pass but object to idiots who overtake me in villages where there is a 30mph limit.  I probably mutter "stupid person" under my breath or assume they are escaping criminals.  Common sense dictates that we should drive in a competent manner and not inconvenience or endanger other road users.  Do Audis have rear view mirrors?  Just wondered.

[MarvinsMom]

no, i believe aldi's do not have mirrors. like indicators and been able to see further than the end of the bonnet these items do not feature as standard equipment.

 

i think these things get in the way when invading another country

[bub2006]

Thanks for info regarding 1275 auto metro. I Ask as that's what engine combo is in the vdp I just bought. Don't suppose you know what mpg may be like?

[forddeliveryboy]

A counter argument that I use whenever people moan about our low speed limits and 'relaxed' driving style is that ... we have the safest roads in the world.

 

Safe is an interesting term when using statistics to compile the data. Like air travel is the safest by a million times, per passenger mile. You could work it out a different but equally valid way which would reduce the safety differential significantly.

 

The last accident I saw was on that 25 mile section of enforced 50mph on the M1 through South Yorkshire - mega pile up where it ended. Brains had started hibernating, along with blood pressure rising on account of the workforce (who were being protected, but hadn't been there to be so for days).

 

Education - of which there is an almost total lack of in the UK - is one very important key to good driving.

[maxpower]

The only thing i have noticed is that people no longer drive around the block if they are driving along in the wrong direction, they seem to think it's much more fun doing a u-turn in busy roads high street while creating queues of traffic while they do a 36 point fkin turn.

[MarvinsMom]

Thanks for info regarding 1275 auto metro. I Ask as that's what engine combo is in the vdp I just bought. Don't suppose you know what mpg may be like?

 

 

according to ARG's figures it;ll do 35mpg at 30mph & 70mph and 45 mpg at a steady 56mph, or there abouts!!

 

as for performance for a 1275 auto, they reckon on 0-60 in around 16 seconds and flat out at 92 mph.

 

as for mine, i average out at around 50mpg, though on the steady run down to peterborough for bl day, i got 65mpg average on the trip. now ok, mine is a 1000cc manual, not an auto, but i have found that BL/ARG/MGR/Rovers petrol figures have been pretty close to what i've managed in real life. as such, and unlike modern s whose figures are at best, fiction, and at worse bear faced lies.

[catsinthewelder]

That's because they use a satnav so roads not on their route don't exist.

 

I sometimes dawdle on the A-roads around here, there are very few places to overtake and any attempt at 60mph driving will soon see you following an HGV at 48mph. I might as well drive at 50 and save some fuel. In mitigation it's far easier for faster drivers to overtake single cars pottering along at 50 than a great big queue of them that are bumper to bumper behind a truck.

[wuvvum]

bub2006, on 14 Jan 2015 - 9:55 PM, said:

Thanks for info regarding 1275 auto metro. I Ask as that's what engine combo is in the vdp I just bought. Don't suppose you know what mpg may be like?

To be honest I don't know if that's going to be a useful comparison.  The 1-litre Allegro I had was far lower geared than a 1-litre Metro, and consequently thirstier at "speed".  They may well have lowered the final drive ratio for the 1275 auto as well - I would imagine that engine harness to an AP autobox would need all the help it can get to lug an Aggro around.

[mercrocker]

The only thing i have noticed is that people no longer drive around the block if they are driving along in the wrong direction, they seem to think it's much more fun doing a u-turn in busy roads high street while creating queues of traffic while they do a 36 point fkin turn.

 

They don't give a toss any more.   On the rare occasion we get lost and I have indicated left but actually need to turn right I go ahead with the left turn and make my way back without inconveniencing anybody.   Similarly I will not suddenly pull up just because Mrs R. has seen the sign for the road we need.    It winds her up a bit but not as much as other people wind me up when they do it to me.  

[bub2006]

How can it get same mpg at 30 and 75?! Either way it's not too bad for a ages old designed engine and box

[martybabes]

Just a few things.

If it's spirited driving you want to see, try

1. any French road just a few minutes after midday when Pierre is trying to get home for his 2 hour (or 3 hour, the further south you go) lunch break; and

2. the race track, aka the Autostrada, between Milan and Turin.

 

For pointless use of the indicators, using the n/s flasher after you have completed an overtake is top o' the list. There is no need - where else might you be going?

And don't forget you can be giving a "positional signal" simply by where your car is placed on the road.  

If there is no-one to benefit from your signal, why give one?

If indicating is force of habit, it means you're not thinking about it.  And if you're not thinking, you shouldn't be driving.

 

More than happy to provide other useful driving tips if anyone's interested.

[rml2345]

In my experience the traffic in Scotland bowls along pretty well. There's the occasional dawdler who is easily passed when safe to do so. Sometimes I'll bumble along enjoying the experience but will either speed up or pull in to allow an overtake depending on the circumstances.

The only place this is any different is on the M8 which is full of tailgating fucks and far beyond its designed capacity. There also exists a special place in hell for people who join motorways at 45 fucking miles an hour when the traffic is moving at 60+.

[PiperCub]

It's the ones that 'comfort brake' going round corners at walking speed, and those that stop at roundabouts with very open views for a look when you can see for a good distance if there is traffic, or adjusting your speed to slip in.

 

Agree with all above, seems to be the same everywhere now - FFS, MAKE PROGRESS PEOPLE!!! Traffic flows better if you don't keep stopping and comfort braking all the time. The buses around Hampshire seem to be getting slower and slower too. Have to say, thought it was just me!

 

As an example, after a night shift, about 8:15am, I followed a lady for about three miles through clear country lanes at a snails pace, she braked nineteen times (yes, 19, I was sad enough to count) before I had to actually use my brakes - seriously, WTF? Are you that nervous? If so, maybe you ought to take the bus for everyones (including your) safety and sanity.

[MrBiscuits]

Regards the mini at a comfortable 60 I have wondered what would be comfortable for the same engine in a metro and with auto box

 

A bit off topic I guess, but with A series motors I found it was all down to the final drive ratio. Back in my salad days I had two Minis. The first one was an '83 Mayfair with 10" wheels and apparently a 3.1:1 final drive. This went OK, however the next one was an '85 City E, on 12" wheels with the 2.9:1 'economy' diff. This was noticably better on the M-Way, with 60mph at about 3200rpm IIRC. It would happily (if not quickly...) wind up to 80mph for overtaking. Once it had some better manifolds, a Maestro dizzy (no points!) and a different needle in the carb it would with a long enough run exceed 90. Probably not that good off the line, but then Minis always felt quick to me anyway.