Cars on RH bends

[DaveReading]

Do they not teach new drivers what the white lines in the middle of the road are for any more?

I've lost count of the number of times I've encountered oncoming cars that are taking a RH bend (from their perspective) and putting their wheels over the centreline onto my side. It doesn't seem to matter how wide the road is, some drivers just don't seem to be able to stay on their side.

Is this just part of a general lowering of driving standards, or am I turning into a grumpy old git? Or both.

 

[Drago]

It's speed. It the brain subconsciously trying to straighten the corner because it perceives the vehicle as travelling too fast. The twots need to just slow down a few percent and give their brains time to think and react.

 

[raleighnut]

A lot of it is understeer on FWD cars, my ex used to go into bends a bit too quick and lift her foot off or brake mid corner when keeping your 'foot' in and powering through the bend tightens the line up (with a bit more steering)
Mind you the majority of my driving was on the track or on gravel/shale but I did bring the car (Peugeot 205) back from the Lake District to Leicester after Pamela had a fall and knackered her knee up (with 'L' plates and after a quick phone call to the insurers to explain the situation)

 

[Milkfloat]

It depends on the white line, it is not illegal to cross the majority of them. There also not a rule abut staying on your own side. In fact a lot of advanced driving teaches you to use the full width of the road where appropriate.

 

[Drago]

Advanced driving teaches you to stay left on a right hander.

 

[colly]

In fact a lot of advanced driving teaches you to use the full width of the road where appropriate.

Then that's really crap teaching.

Great when you get it right, when you are fully aware of what's going on around you, when everyone else knows you are a superb keen as mustard, infallible, driving God. But when it turns out you aren't quite as masterful as you imagine someone else might well pay with their life or limbs.
I read a comment by an instructor of the ADI saying something about it only being necessary to use indicators when needed. Using them automatically on every junction is lazy and encourages sloppy driving. The argument being that you should always be aware of the road condition and circumstances.
I thought that was bollocks too. It's OK up until you miss something important.

 

[Fnaar]

One thing I've noticed recently is cars behind you having their beams on, when they are admittedly far away, but still near enough for it to be a pain, coz of the light in your rear view mirror. It's happened a few times, and they have then put dips on when a car is coming the other way, so i don't think I'm imagining it... inconsiderate, at the least.

 

[mcshroom]

The counter to indicating at every junction regardless is that if you put indicators on automatically then what else are you doing at junctions without thinking? Active driving is more alert than automatic driving, something that is used in shared space zones as when you have to actively think about what is going on around you, the normal response is to drive more slowly.

 

[Drago]

Then that's really crap teaching.

Great when you get it right, when you are fully aware of what's going on around you, when everyone else knows you are a superb keen as mustard, infallible, driving God. But when it turns out you aren't quite as masterful as you imagine someone else might well pay with their life or limbs.
I read a comment by an instructor of the ADI saying something about it only being necessary to use indicators when needed. Using them automatically on every junction is lazy and encourages sloppy driving. The argument being that you should always be aware of the road condition and circumstances.
I thought that was bollocks too. It's OK up until you miss something important.

its not bollocks. It's tried, tested and proven.

Too many people use indicators as a substitute for looking, instead of the other way round.

Right hand positioning on a left hand gives you greater vehicle stability and earlier visibility.

If done properly and taught by people who know what they're in about (that's generally not the cardigan wearing Werthers suckers at the IAM) proper advanced techniques are safer and those thus qualified are demonstrably less likely to be involved in accidents and thus pay cheaper insurance.

I'm an ex Class 1 driver, what professional knowledge of such things do you have?

 

[accountantpete]

I passed a Peugeot hot hatch last Sunday.

It had cut a right hand bend on a country road a little sharp and collided with a sodding big removals van coming the other way.

The hedges are kept low around here so it must have been the driver not paying attention and cutting the corner.

 

[Milkfloat]

Then that's really crap teaching.

You will have to forgive me if I prefer the teachings of police and army advanced driving instructors rather than the random rantings of an anti-car stranger on the Internet.

 

[colly]

Well first of all the OP was talking about cars crossing the white line onto the opposite carriageway. If your driving within the speed limits as an ordinary motorist why would it necessary to do that ? On a tight bend just possibly, but if you're driving so fast it's not possible to go round the bend safely without cutting the corner then your driving too fast.

As for using indicators at all times. Well you said it yourself ''If done properly'' . What about the time when it's not done properly or is being taught by the best make you immune to errors.

 

[colly]

You will have to forgive me if I prefer the teachings of police and army advanced driving instructors rather than the random rantings of an anti-car stranger on the Internet.

Don't be silly. I'm not anti car. I am anti idiots in cars driving around like the effing sweeny.


Mod Edited.

 

[Drago]

It's a system of exercises and routines designed to make you more consistent and safer, and to make driving easier. After all, why would you waste time and effort to indicate left when you're sat in a left turn only lane?

Bottom line is Police, RoSPA and even IAM (of whom I'm not a huge fan) advanced ticket holders are less likely to die on the road, be involved in a recordable RTC or make an insurance claim.

It's not infallible, and should never be treated as such. Indeed, it's actually quite difficult to be blase with it and still actually be following the system.

 

[Incontinentia Buttocks]

Never sacrifice safety for position. Road craft 101.
And if you really want to feel what a good safe quick drive feels like get in the jump seat with advanced Police instructor, it's pretty impressive, especially the observation.