Confronting drivers - probably not a good idea

[simon.r]

I went for a ride after work this evening. I like to think I'm a fairly assertive rider while being cautious enough to avoid most near misses.

So, while slowly filtering between a line of parked cars and a line of near stationary cars (not my preferred option, but filtering on the outside wasn't possible) a van suddenly, without indicating, pulled left into a space in between two parked cars. I was doing no more than 10 mph and was aware of the possibility, so I stopped without fuss and there was no harm done.

But, I couldn't resist saying 'try indicating mate' to the driver as he got out. For whatever reason he took offence and started squaring up and walking briskly towards me. I haven't had a fight since I was about 13 and I have no intention of starting now, so I just rode away.

Note to self - it ain't worth it.

 

[speccy1]

My favourite one is "bloody bulb gone has it?" when car drivers don`t indicate.

Winds me up

 

[Glow worm]

I wonder if indicating is seen as a sign of weakness or something among drivers. They rarely seem to bother at all anymore.

 

[speccy1]

Only top of the range cars come with indicators these days, but a dickhead comes as standard!

 

[swee'pea99]

It always amazes me when drivers don't bother indicating. I mean, it's not like it's a big effort.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I applied for a job years ago with a parcel delivery firm.One of their bosses took me out in the transit van to "see if my driving was up to scratch". He asked me why i kept indicating when there were no other cars or cyclists to be seen. I told him i did it just in case i hadn't noticed another road user,and that flicking a switch cost nothing. I didn't get the job because "i was too over cautious"!

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Only top of the range cars come with indicators these days, but a dickhead comes as standard!

21st century cars don't come with indicators: they've been replaced with confirmators .

 

[luckyfox]

It's really not worth it but i get the frustration.

I signalled left with no one near me this morning, a Landrover then sped up ahead, start to pull left with no indication physically mounting the kerb, cutting me off completely. Who does that?? it's 6am and i'm a woman alone on an industrial site, im not going to argue.

Glad you're ok!!

 

[MarkF]

Note to self - it ain't worth it.

It certainly isn't.

 

[thecube]

I saw a 4 x 4 go past a cyclist and then brake immediately and turn left right accross him, he had to break so hard his back wheel left the ground. I was on my bike just a few yards behind and was stunned. The thing that shocked me the most was the reaction of the guy, he was inches from being run over yet did nothing! he just cycled off. I saw the 4 x 4 driver pull into a car park a few yards later, the lady driver was unaware of the "near miss". Now, if that was me i'd make sure she was aware of it. Now not only was she driving with due care and attention, she failed to used her indicator. So whilst I agree that we can't police the streets, we can make a clear point and must have some duty of care to raise the issue. If it makes her / him think then maybe that is one potential accident prevented. It's not just about having a big argument in the street, it's about trying to make the roads safer for all road users. But I undertand not wanting to get involved with totally unreasonable and overly aggressive numpties that fail to admit their mistakes.

 

[Colin_P]

Problem is most drivers forget to dis-engage their "Bell-end-tronic". To do so requires pressing this button...

 

[Cyclopathic]

Depends how I'm feeling. I think I've expressed just about every behaviour. Shouted, ignored it, stood up for myself, backed down, made them run away, and run (ridden) away myself.

 

[Retribution03]

I like to tell them that indicators are fitted as standard try using them.

 

[Arch]

Probably the best thing is to say "oh, excuse me, I think your indicator bulb has blown, it didn't flash just then". Then they can pretend you're right and they did indicate, and know you you've made your point, non-confrontationally.

But it's very hard not to be angry or sarcastic.

As far as I can tell, using indicators is like using mirrors, a dying art.

 

[Silver Fox]

It's just not worth the aggro, even if you're in the right is best to let these things go. You don't know what sort of psycho nutter you're dealing with. I've said it before but better to swallow your pride than your teeth.