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

Just a quick heads-up...



The Apprentice

I am going to claim a record I think 14 mths in edit for this entry for confirmation just check the previous post

In wonder if the Ed's will see this

I am mildly bemused about this one. I'm scared to poke or nudge anything just in case the structure of reality itself depends on this entry remaining where it is in the 'upcoming' list...



The Apprentice

It in the last stage just awating entry to the guide

Look at this page

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/ComingUp

It is just stuck

I know. Calshot Castle, directly beneath it in that list, I sub-edited last month. It must be visible to someone 'upstairs'...



The Apprentice

A mistery still they might look, have you got an access to the ED,s. You could ask.

I think this has been forgotten shall I recomend it is removed

I did ask when we last spoke and it obviously remains in limbo. I'm fine with it, but I'm merely a Sub-Ed and obviously have nothing to do with anything of consequence. You can make whatever call you think best; but, you should also make that call direct to the Editors, because I have no special access or control.



The Apprentice

Bob,

I am not an h2g2 Editor, nor am I an authority on the UK Highway Code, but I offer this opinion.

Whilst this Entry has I suppose been through PR and so on, and does contain some sensible caveats about driving to the conditions, it does not mention either posted speed limits, bend/curve warning signs, or advisory speed signs, e.g.,

http://www.cbrd.co.uk/photo/mickleham-bends/05/

Nor, critically I think, does it make the express point (although it is implied) that a motorist should really not exceed a speed which gives him safe stopping distance visibility. In such regard, UK Highway Code para 126 states inter alia "Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear".

The reference to a technique used by racing drivers perhaps implies, dangerously it could be argued, that the road ahead is assumed to be clear, as a race driver will. The public roads are you will surely agree not as well marshalled.

Moreover, the (UK) Highway Code for instance contains inter alia this general advice:

146
Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular

- do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit

- take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution

You might see also (particularly) rules 124, 125, 154 and 214.

http://ukhighwaycode.com/Documents/The%20Highway%20Code%20Aug%202010.pdf

These are just thoughts but it may be that the Eds have some (legal?) reservations about advocating this driving technique without reference to at least the notion of regulatory speed limits and the UK Highway Code (this is after all still a BBC site).

Just maybe.

Point taken
The object is self-preservation and road awareness on unfamiliar roads, you often see max advised speeds upon corners on otherwise non restricted roads.

These advisory signs are not as plentiful as they should be and strangers to the road are often caught out. It is far better to know that you are in control of a car and if there is an obstruction around the corner you have time to do something about it.

You are not exceeding an correct speed to negotiate the bend safely (if you use this method it actually slows you down, no Top Gear spinning wheels and hanging the tail out, or running out of road and trying to use a tree as a multi-storey car park) whether you are a 1000cc small car or a 4ltr top of the range speed machine, the results are the same you read the bend and not drive to fast. Yes there will always be smeg heads but even these will be slowed down as they enter a bend or they will soon be taking harp lessons.

This method is for open road driving not restricted roads and it will avoid someone taking a bend (a tight lefthander in the UK) and being forced by going to fast, into the path into a collision with oncoming traffic.

This method is taught by Police forces and military drivers around the world, it is still news worthy if they have a serious accident, so it indicates the method works.

Regarding rules 124 and 125 - refer to roads that would not require the use of the methods refered to in the entry they simply wont work or be worth useing at lower speeds.

154 - traffic calming systems would not be used in the areas that are discussed in this entry. It would be dangerous to employ them out of built up araeas and without advance warning by way of road signs

214 - Again in the new Forest and similar areas this would not apply as all the roads are subject to strict speed limits, drivers who use excessive speed will not be either prevented from speeding or encouraged to go faster by reading this entry.