The worst thing about a WVM close pass.....

[Sheffield_Tiger]

....is the following vehicle who, thanks to the lack of discernible movement from the WVM in front to signify an overtaking manoeuvre, passes even bloody closer without even knowing untli the last second that there is a cyclist on the road

 

[upsidedown]

That's normally the case with any queue of traffic though. The one holding back will pass safely but the idiots he's been holding up will pass close just to show their displeasure at being delayed for fifteen seconds.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

This is why I always indicate to overtake cyclists when I'm driving the lorry. (Or the car, come to that.) A friend of mine lost his dad like that, years ago ... the lorry following him overtook without indicating and the car behind the lorry ran over him.

 

[asterix]

Good for you RT. It's common practice in this part of France as well as drivers giving more space and being very patient.

WRT white vans, there should be an additional driving test needed for these vehicles (I drive a Toyota Hiace and have driven vans for years) as people can just get into a white van straight out of a small car. How can they get accustomed to the wider, longer vehicle so quickly?

 

[upsidedown]

Good point. I've also commented on here before that people can get in a large van and tow a trailer with no training. Most aren't even aware that there is no automatic entitlement to
pull a trailer now.

 

[Matthames]

I think half of the battle is that they drive too close to the van in front. A good driver would hang back to take a look at what is in front of the van. It is the same thing that you should really do when following a lorry.

 

[MartinC]

I think half of the battle is that they drive too close to the van in front.

+1

 

[henshaw11]

A good driver would hang back to take a look at what is in front of the van. It is the same thing that you should really do when following a lorry.

Or any other vehicle, for that matter.

 

[Peter10]

Good for you RT. It's common practice in this part of France as well as drivers giving more space and being very patient.

WRT white vans, there should be an additional driving test needed for these vehicles (I drive a Toyota Hiace and have driven vans for years) as people can just get into a white van straight out of a small car. How can they get accustomed to the wider, longer vehicle so quickly?

I think there is now. I have only had a driving license for 3 years and I cannot drive a large van that carries more than X amount of weight. So I would be unable to drive a Mercedes Sprinter size van. Same as I cannot toe a trailer also. Good idea to be honest.