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What rules do you have as an addendum to all those in the highway code, which I guess, according to the driving threads here, we all know off by heart. These rules do not need any justification and as they make up your own personal addendum, you're allowed to use your own ill conceived prejudices in their formulation.
Some of mine:
SUVs, Taxis and dirty vans never get let out at junctions. (Clean vans do.)
Most people who let me out, or give way in a narrowed section will get a cheery wave and a mouthed "Thank You" if they're close enough to see. Other van drivers get a thumbs-up.
I generally try not to automatically let pretty girls out, because I assume they're expecting it. 😀
Scaffolders are the utter bastards of the traffic disruption world. 😡
Be interesting to hear what the bikers' rules are...
EDIT: I still see a "thank you" from a biker as a little gold star on the workbook from my teacher. It shows I've gone the extra mile in showing consideration that day.
*awaits some way for heated wing-mirrors to be shoehorned into the thread*
People who are driving aggressively & looking to shove their way into gaps, get similar aggressive standards back (I know this lowers me to their level).
Always thank people for letting you out of junctions etc. Lorry drivers who flash you on at short slip roads, get a 'window down wave & thumbs up'
I drive at 30 in a 30 - unless I have a moron try to hurry me up by tailgating me (daily occurrence on my commute), then I drop to around 27mph.
Look ahead, anticipate & look for other options/escape routes.
Always be patient around cyclists and give masses of room - hopefully it'll rub off on the car behind.
Assume the Peugeot driver's haven't noticed you and may drive more erratically than other drivers.
'window down wave & thumbs up'
😀
Always be patient around cyclists and give masses of room - hopefully it'll rub off on the car behind.
Ah yes, I do that too. Especially if the car behind is being a bit impatient.
Oh and when somebody has jumped a queue and is trying to pressure themselves in in slow traffic. Maintain a small enough gap that they can't get in. NEVER make eye contact.
NEVER make eye contact.
More fun to look them square in the face and smile.
I've been using the window washing routine for tailgatiers since I read it on here - it works a treat.
Indcateing when overtaking cyclists.
Shoulder check when ever moving out on a bike, to pass a parked car, another cyclist, turning right, moving right, anything.
People who manage to pull off and drive with their wing mirrors folded in deserve a good fisting, then to be placed in stocks.
Slow stop and let that old granny, person with a pushchair, kid on a bike who is trying desperatly to cross the bussy road at rush hour.
Park at the end of a marked bay, or right up to the double yellow, not leaving half a space there for reducign the amount of useful parking needlessly.
Re: deadlydarcy’s first post
😯I generally try not to automatically let pretty girls out, because I assume they're expecting it
Hopefully, this is still referring to ‘at junctions’ and not ‘of my van’.
I have a few "personal" ones..
I give way to:
Pregnant Women
Old People
People carrying stuff (bags, books, a frown)
People in those electric wheel buggies and wheelchairs
People at corners of buildings or office corners/desk corners
People entering or exiting from lifts or escalators
Pretty Women
Blokes in shell suits or football jerseys
People who look less able to walk in a straight line than me
Children under about 10
People holding cameras
Tourists
Restaurant staff
Shop assistants
People reaching for stuff
Theres a few more but hey..
Now the list of people I don't give way to is probably longer than the one above 😆
If anyone's going fast enough to catch me up I let them past
Hopefully, this is still referring to ‘at junctions’ and not ‘of my van’.
It's a bit of both to be honest. 😮
Taxis drivers are exempt from the Highway code so expect the unexpected otherwise give them a wide berth before they decide to do a u-turn without any kind of indication.
Avoid driving in Bradford and Batley, the drivers there make taxis driver look like driving saints. If you are unfortunate enough to be side swiped by one as they change lanes without checking mirrors, indicating or using any other form common sense. Then take out your camera and do a 360 degree video of your car, their car and everyone around you as cars change to ones that are actually insured instead of the one they crashed into you with and 30 witnesses will suddenly come forward to say the accident was all your fault.
On a motorbike or cycle anyone coming out from a junction will pull out on you so make sure you have eye to eye contact with them. If they still look they are going to chance it sticking your leg out confirms they will sustain damage to their car and they should think twice.
Rainbows on wet roads should be avoided at all costs especially on roundabouts as diesel spills are very slippery and a 200kg bike with traction makes your backside twitch very quickly.
If I allow someone out at a junction and they don't pay attention they don't get a second chance.
Tailgating causes me slow down. Flashing lights at me has the same results. I will pull pack into the other lane once I've finished overtaking and I don't care how fast you may want to drive because my car will go a lot slower than that.
"Baby on Board" window stickers is code for I'm too busy worrying over the baby than concentrating on driving so will wonder across lanes and then glare at you for blasting your horn and waking up precious.
folk that try to force their way out reversing onto the road into traffic or worse - across lanes will wait - folk coming out headfirst get let into the traffic.
if in traffic i always let 1 person filter into the traffic from junctions on either side as i pass.
Always let series/defenders out and the customary landy wave.
"Oh and when somebody has jumped a queue and is trying to pressure themselves in in slow traffic. "
.
this times 100 - although some folk are bloody mental. ive seen folk drive down the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic tooting at the cars that didnt let them force in.
Rule one: Don't be a d1ck
Seems to stand me in good stead.
Rule is also transferable off the road.
Always super helpful to cyclists, horses etc, especially if it irritates boorish drivers behind me. Never ever accept being let out if its not my right of way. That's often dangerous and is usually because theclazy sod wants to cut the corner. HGVs? Tough . if they can't deal with local road conditions within the law and I regard right of way as that , then they should not be there. Never let anyone else out for same reason.
Never respond to flashed light's inviting me to move. Wrong.
If law clashes with highway code or habits law is first. My way means I know I am correct. Hated maybe but so what.
Speed limits always by the speedo. I know they are a a touch slow but surely that's good?
what sandwicheater said
People who manage to pull off and drive with their wing mirrors folded in deserve a good fisting, then to be placed in stocks.
did you actually mean that?
I mean a fist inserted into their body (not mine, maybe one fashoned from wood and not sanded) the to be placed in stocks, still half naked to be shamed and covered in rotten veg.
In all seriousness I don't know why this is not a fix penalty offence. It woul be an instant fail on a driving test, shows a huge lack of awearness.
On my bicycle I:
Use hand signals for left/right manoeuvres. Never the 'slowing down' one, curiously, even though I learned it at proficiency training.
Wave thanks to any particularly patient drivers or those who leave me ample room.
Take empty rural footpaths (where available) rather than fast twisty A roads. I can deal with punctures (although tyres these days - can't remember the last one) but hate I mean HATE that sound behind of unprepared drivers braking/slowing as they were driving too fast for how far ahead they could see.
The big yellow van with whaling sirens and flashing blue lights that has been stuck behind you while you for the last mile or more has a more important reason to be on the road. Get out of the ****ing way.
Naturally, ambulances always get let out, even if not on the flashing lights and sirens. Unless they're a private ambulance company. 🙂
Always:
Join motorway from slips at full tilt, even if it means I'm alongside a row of cars as I run out of road.
Stare at every female in every car, looking away quickly if they spot me and they're not actually fit. Actually, look away if they're fit too.
Flash cars and lorries out, even if it means braking sharply.
Pick my nose, because I'm in a car and nobody can see me.
Accelerate as fast as I can through avg speed roadworks as soon as I'm past the last camera, even though there are still people working there and signs saying "my daddy works here". Sod 'em, you can't catch me.
Pick the racing line.
It's right to expect a wave if you let someone out or make room for them. So equally one needs to make sure one's wave is seen. In sunlight, hold your hand up close to the window, not back in the shade.
Big black beamers are driven by arrogant incompetents, as a first approximation. Perhaps they've grown up from driving chavved-up mums' cars.
Unless they're a private ambulance company.
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Private Ambulance written on a vehicle usually indicates that it's an undertaker.
Worse than overtakers.
If someone deliberately blocks a box junction and I am the first blocked car,I press the horn for about 10 seconds ,rest for 10 then repeat*.
* [i]I am not allowed to do this if any other family member is in the car[/i].
The big yellow van with whaling sirens
Er, that's a dinghy?
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Take delight in doing a maximum of [i]exactly[/i] 20mph (indicated) through 20mph zones, usually giggling at the guy behind me turning purple as he is sat inches from my bumper.
If you want to go faster mate then choose another route. It is 20 here for a reason.
Always be patient around cyclists and give masses of room - hopefully it'll rub off on the car behind.
Yep - always this. Also if I have someone behind me then I'll often wait for a point where we can [i]both[/i] overtake safely, as nine times out of ten they blindly follow regardless.
Am I the only one who shouts our the window sometimes when given a chance, ''use a helmet''!?
My pet peev is tailgaters and mainly cyclists who do not adhere to wearing a helmet. really worries me that even if it is there choice.
Er, that's a dinghy?
😳
Within reason the closer the car behind me gets, the slower I go.
cyclists who do not adhere to wearing a helmet. really worries me that even if it is there choice.
Of all the things on the road your pet peeve is someone doing absolutely nothing illegal that has no consequence to you at all? Weird.
No I would never shout "use a helmet" (even though I think it is a good idea on the road) but I have been known to dispense shouty advice about getting some lights!
(and the other day I stopped to advise some kids on bikes that the middle of the road on a blind summit wasn't exactly a fantastic place to stop to wait for their mate!)
Am I the only one who shouts our the window sometimes when given a chance, ''use a helmet''!?My pet peev is tailgaters and mainly cyclists who do not adhere to wearing a helmet. really worries me that even if it is there choice.
I call troll.
Alawys shoulder check - old motorcycling habit.
Never be bullied by drivers who emerge fast hoping you'll stop for them.
Always keep an eye on the nearside mirror for drivers sneaking up on the left and cutting in in front of you - if they do, match them and shut the door on them. Dangerous I know but it gets right up my nose and was responsible for my only ever episode of road rage
Be the one who goes on at a four way roundabout where everybody is hesitating.
Always always keep the car in top condition and the windscreen free of plasticiser film.
Take up plenty of road space to prevent oncoming drivers from squeezing past cars parked on their side and crowding you.
Stick rigidly to the limit in built up areas, less if there are people around.
Tailgaters get their windscreens washed until they get the message and drop back.
Give cyclists loads of time and space and horses even more - slow right down and check out the rider, naturally.
In the car:
delight in doing 30 in a 30 and 20 in a 20 unless I need to go slower or some dick is trying to pressure me to go faster - in which case I'll slow down a bit more.
the white line on country roads with good lines of site is purely there for aesthetic reasons.
your car does not get narrower if you drive slower.
On the bike:
Don't get hurt.
If there is someone behind waiting to overtake (nicely) then you must keep pedaling. Not to get in their way but because it frustrates me sing riders coasting when people want to get past. At least if you are pedaling it looks like you are making an effort.
Rule #1- Don't be a tw[b]a[/b]t.
That's it.
Loads of blind spot checks too, it boils my pee the amount of numb chumps I see trying to get onto a fast moving road from a slip road who only rely on their mirrors to spot gaps 😡 MOVE YOUR F-ING HEAD!
1 Everyone is out to get me
2 Let folk out/in/across, when safe
3 When in doubt, see 1
Too many years of riding motorcycles.
I think, [u]generally[/u], that those who have a few years' motorcycling under their belts tend to make safer drivers than those who don't.
People who manage to pull off and drive with their wing mirrors folded in deserve a good fisting,
Will sir be going in dry?
I keep especially vigilant, if on two wheels or four, on a friday afternoon. Friday afternoon seems to bring out the phuckwit in people.
Agree with DD, Taxi drivers are never, ever let out*
*Unless there is a complete walloper tailgating me, in which case, I let everyone out, Even folk with union jack stickers.
[i]*Unless there is a complete walloper tailgating me, in which case, I let everyone out, Even folk with union jack stickers. [/i]
Thanks, every day's a learning day.
give way to folk who're working on weekends (Bus drivers, council vans, utility company vans etc)
I think, generally, that those who have a few years' motorcycling under their belts tend to make safer drivers than those who don't.
Self-selecting sample - the motorcyclists that aren't safe get weeded out before they make it to "a few years"! 😯
In the car - if someone is coming right round a roundabout without indicating right, it's ok to pull out.
On the bike
- a thank you hand wave to those who overtake sensibly, giving good space. Especially ones who wait behind for a good place to pass. (I probably get to do this twice in an hours ride, on average).
-Flip the bird to those who don't give enough room when overtaking. (I probably get to do this 6 times on average). It would be a ****er sign, but sometimes they are women. It's quite interesting to note how many gesture back - ie. they KNOW they've been a **** and are looking in their mirror for the reaction.
-Take extra extra precautions, be ready for anything, fear for my actual life if I see a woman driving a Mini (this based entirely on previous experience of such).
I drive for leisure only because my place of work is 10 mins walk away ... 😀
When I drive:
1. I am normally relax or in a hurry.
2. I try to remember the direction ...
3. I am immune to traffic jam because I have been trained in 3 hour traffic jam in the far east daily.
4. I don't mind people cutting in front of me or jump the queue or letting other pass ... no hurry for me so do as they wish.
5. I don't like roundabouts coz they are so ancient.
6. I stick to all traffic rules with 10% buffer in order to comply with the bureaucratic norm.
7. I don't like tailgaters especially when I can see them texting or looking at the mobile phones.
😀
Agree with DD, Taxi drivers are never, ever let out*
*Unless there is a complete walloper tailgating me, in which case, I let everyone out, Even folk with union jack stickers.
Oh yes siree. + lots. 🙂
Always be patient around cyclists and give masses of room - hopefully it'll rub off on the car behind.
Aye sometimes it actually works too.
on A roads indicate left for motorbikes to let them know you see them and you are aware they are about to overtake. Do the same for faster traffic in general and thank people with a flash of the hazards who do the same for me.
On the motorway - actually drive in the correct lane and make space for traffic round about me when possible, for example pull over to lane 3 when you know someone else wants to overtake from lane 1 into lane 2. If I'm overtaking in lane 3 and faster traffic is approaching I might even speed up a little, except for tailgaters they can wait!
[i]hopefully it'll rub off on the car behind.[/i]
ah, I live with impossible dreams in my head too...
It does rub off a bit in my experience - if only because the car behind sees you overtaking "wide" (i.e. Rule 163) and blindly follows.
Of course after the fact the driver may well be thinking [i]"Why did he pull out so wide? There was nothing there. Just a cyclist. I thought there must be a parked car or something important."[/i]