h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

>>Then again, UK driving law bans learners from motorways, which does lead to the paradoxical situation that although almost everyone driving legally has to have passed some sort of test, hardly anybody ever gets a lesson on a motorway, much less gets tested on their understanding of how to use one<<

At least part of this is down to the fact there are several counties without any motorways - someone in Penzance would have to drive 150 miles or so just to get to the end of the M5 in Exeter. So I can see why there is no compulsory bit about driving on motorways, as it'd unfairly disadvantage the remote (ironically often the ones who need to drive the most) but I don't understand why there isn't an optional bit for those who have access to them.

Completely agree with everything else you say SoRB. Used to really annoy me when I was learning to drive and I'd be doing the speed limit and having traffic behind me beeping and flashing their lights.

>>The abdication of responsibility was infuriating, but not surprising, since one sees idiots of this stripe on every motorway, every day.
<<

The abdication of responsibility was infuriating, but not surprising, since one sees idiots of this stripe on h2, most days

I understand your frustration Tiggy (I'm a pretty good driver in terms of safety and not bad technically, so my tolerance for driving stupidity is not particularly high) but I had to wince at your rant because the last time you did that about drivers, not too long ago, you cruelly abused someone here and were apparently completely unrepentant.

If you want to come back and rant some more in a more generic way, that's fine, but given that the person you abused is likely to read this thread I am at a loss to know what should happen next. An apology would of course be a good start (and my own apologies if you've already done that and I missed it).

I know this is offtopic, but I can't see the point in ranting about stupid car drivers, if we ignore the big stupidly-behaving elephant right here in the living room.

Honestiago: they do actually have dual carriageway roads in Cornwall. The difference between these and motorways in terms of driving is now minimal (in fact, probably the only significant difference is that they *will* allow L drivers on them), so your objection seems unjustified.

When I learnt to drive my instructor took me on the A2 - a four-lane highway - to learn how to drive in a multiple-lane environment. That said, many motorways are only 2 lanes, and I'm sure there are places to learn how to use those wherever you are.

RF

Twaggster:



I didn't pick up on the driving in the middle lane bit of her speech. If so, what an idiot, I was puzzled about the flashing and honking as I thought why would car drivers do that if she was in the 'slow lane'...I now understand...she did ramble on somewhat...and I was negotiating a motorway off-slip road so was not fully listening to the radio at the time.



The right-hand/left-hand rule in NZ...wow, the old rule was just mad - totally counter-intuitive/ A left had turner giving right of way to a right hand turner is just dangerous...I hate it when I see drivers do that on UK roads...when turning right the cars behind assume they will have to stop when they see cars on the other side of the road, a car turning left doesn;t have to stop at when turning hence the flow of traffic keeps going and there is no second guessing of whether to brake or not.

Obviously there are rules on the road and people should keep abreast of them but driving, the sharing of road space is not just about techicalities is it

People make mistakes, all the time, that's normal, doesn't make them stupid or ignorant, the differance in decision making is vastly different according to familarity with types of road, route, personal, my Mum wouldn't go for the same space as I would on a roundabout, and why actually should she

There is also a range of driving ability, not just down to experience, again that is to be expected

I am thinking of that advert for whatever, you don't behave this way on a pavement, why should you in a car, how true is that of us, as individuals

There are of course those who behave like tankers, on the road and on the pavement but that is another topic

>>Honestiago: they do actually have dual carriageway roads in Cornwall. The difference between these and motorways in terms of driving is now minimal (in fact, probably the only significant difference is that they *will* allow L drivers on them), so your objection seems unjustified.<<

I lived in Cornwall for a year, so I know what it's like down there. Whilst the main A30 is occasionally motorway-esque with slip roads etc, it's inconsistent and frequently becomes a 2 lane road with varying speed limits.

It's not just Cornwall either, there's also the far north of Scotland where even big dual carriageways are rare.

when is dual carriageway not a dual carriage way but more of a motorway, that's a question

Norti got a slap for it the other day and it was kinda mean, and as far as I can make out, here,there is a local dual carriageway, that as far as I can make out that is more motorway, for 7 secs at 60

I must be wrong obviously , should have said that

"People make mistakes, all the time, that's normal, doesn't make them stupid or ignorant"

I'm not talking about people making mistakes, though. Pulling out in front of someone when they're overtaking you - that's a mistake. I've done it myself. If you take responsibility, admit you've made a mistake and wave a hand apologetically, most people will accept it and move on.

On the other hand, if you drive obliviously down the centre lane of a motorway, and then COMPLAIN on national radio that people behind you are tailgating, flashing their lights, sounding their horns etc., and it never occurs to you for a moment that perhaps they're doing it for a reason related to something YOU are doing... that's not a "mistake". It's a persistent pattern of behaviour, behaviour demonstrative of the fact that you shouldn't be on a motorway or even, probably, in a car at all.

Yeah, well by that criteria you should leave h2g2 Tiggy

Maybe the woman doesn't know that road rule. I sat my licence 30 years ago, I'm sure there are rules I don't know.

*

I've never really understood the 'it's counter-intuitive' argument re the RH rule. I learnt it at 15, it made complete sense to me immediately.

So, what is the rule in the UK?

test
yup that works...

oh, bugger, just realised how odd that post will look. Move along now- nothing to see here

I saw it!

But then again I didn't.

This is a convo I've posted to, contributed and I'm susbscribed to. My last posting didn't update my message centre.

I saw your 'I saw it' ....