Driving Practices - what do you see?

[MrBig]

Before I begin let me say that I estimate that I've driven almost 2 million kilometres (99% in Australia and of that 99% in WA and of that 99% Perth and surrounding areas).

I've listed some issues on the road - there are many more. Some may agree others of course will not and one or two might regard even this post as OLD. LOL

Too many drivers seem to be in lala land when on on-ramps to freeways and highways and suddenly find they're running out of road and driving too slow to merge. What's so hard about preparing early to match speed - then you slip right in.

Drivers that plod a long in the 'fast' lane unnecessarily and even the cops just go around them - rarely have I seen a cop pull one up on the Freeway. I see drivers enter the freeway and go straight into the fast lane even if there are no other cars around for 100s of metres - then they stay there.

Truck drivers (especially younger ones) driving too fast, in any lane, tailgating (not necessarily at the same time).

Then other drivers (my observation - mostly male) that are behind that swap to the left lane and then TRY to return in front of me into MY braking area. Passing on the left should be banned but then you wouldn't see as much of this happening if drivers kept left whenever possible.

Lane changing and minor roads merging - why push hard to deny one other car the right to be ahead. It creates havoc behind (my observation - mostly younger female).

Roundabouts. It's NOT give way to the right, it's give way to all other vehicles already on the round-about. If approaching roundabout any one, INCLUDING one entering from the next entrance has right of way if they entered the round-about first.

This one is not necessarily law (don't know why), common courtesy should prevail, when turning into another street keep to a tight turn - this allows others from the opposite direction simultaneous entry onto that road correspondingly from a tight turn. Good practice when travelling overseas and driving on RHS of the road; this ensures that you wouldn't get confused as to which side of the road you need to turn into. I hear so many people take a long time to get used to driving on RHS - I don't, I drive with this common practice regardless on which side I drive on so I automatically go onto the correct side of the road.

I enjoyed driving in Italy. Mainland European motorway driving practices are better than British which is still far, far better than here in Oz. Much more courtesy is also evident in Asian countries.

 

[homer]

Lazy finger syndrome (LFS), causing a failure to indicate, be it merging, changing lanes, turning, parking...etc..

The 3 seconds indicating rule that people seem to have, 1-2-3 merge, change lane, regardless if the other car is giving way or have the time gap to give way or not...

Indicating incorrectly at roundabouts...have you seen people who indicate left before entering round abouts and take the 2nd exit, instead of 1st? And indicating right and take the 2nd exit.

Good Samaritans giving ways without giving enough thoughts about traffic behind them.

 

[Amanda Secrets]

Where was the other 3 %
I ride motor bikes - lets not even get me started on bloody driving habits of motorists ( and before the 99.9 recurring members of the forum start on about motorcyclists) and OTHER motorcyclists who ride/drive badly and make my bike riding experiences almost a daily hazard.
For the record I don't split lanes, I wait in my lane behind the traffic in front of me, I ride to be seen and in a visible part of my lane. I indicate as required to save my own skin and by law! I leave a gap to allow me to stop or evade emergency situations. I take off from lights quickly - because I can - I indicate what Im going to do well before I do it and then stay in one spot unless overtaking or turning.
Sadly I have also learnt thanks to men and women in cars to ride between hazards when they intentionally change lanes on me, Ive learnt that I can hit the dirt at a 100ks off the freeway and get up thanks to assistance from other drivers who stop to assist ( an italian stallion took offence to a female riding a large bike and tried to force me off the road - successfully ).

I get annoyed at cars parked in motor bike bays - just as I get annoyed at cars without ACROD stickers in disabled bays.

I am amused by youngsters in V8 utes trying to beat me at lights - trust me my Torque to weight ratio is far superior - you cant beat my bike no matter how much you rev the engine or drop your clutch!
Trucks overtaking me on country roads frighten the b jezus out of me - do you know how much drag their wind creates!!
I never venture down Mundaring Weir road - even in a car - so many motorcyclists have been killed on that road by vehicles who fail to negotiate the corners on their own side of the road and the only exits are tree lined and drop steeply to the valley.

Cars and trucks that turn in front of motor bikes is high too, I have sadly but futilely tried to save the life of a friend who was hit in front of me by a truck whilst making a legal right turn on a green arrow. I was a car back otherwise ......

You dont have to clock up the miles that Mr Little does to see abject stupidity on our roads, for a more Russian roulette approach go out on your bike!!!

 

[homer]

Where was the other 3 %
I ride motor bikes - lets not even get me started on bloody driving habits of motorists ( and before the 99.9 recurring members of the forum start on about motorcyclists) and OTHER motorcyclists who ride/drive badly and make my bike riding experiences almost a daily hazard.
For the record I don't split lanes, I wait in my lane behind the traffic in front of me, I ride to be seen and in a visible part of my lane. I indicate as required to save my own skin and by law! I leave a gap to allow me to stop or evade emergency situations. I take off from lights quickly - because I can - I indicate what Im going to do well before I do it and then stay in one spot unless overtaking or turning.
Sadly I have also learnt thanks to men and women in cars to ride between hazards when they intentionally change lanes on me, Ive learnt that I can hit the dirt at a 100ks off the freeway and get up thanks to assistance from other drivers who stop to assist ( an italian stallion took offence to a female riding a large bike and tried to force me off the road - successfully ).

I get annoyed at cars parked in motor bike bays - just as I get annoyed at cars without ACROD stickers in disabled bays.

I am amused by youngsters in V8 utes trying to beat me at lights - trust me my Torque to weight ratio is far superior - you cant beat my bike no matter how much you rev the engine or drop your clutch!
Trucks overtaking me on country roads frighten the b jezus out of me - do you know how much drag their wind creates!!
I never venture down Mundaring Weir road - even in a car - so many motorcyclists have been killed on that road by vehicles who fail to negotiate the corners on their own side of the road and the only exits are tree lined and drop steeply to the valley.

Cars and trucks that turn in front of motor bikes is high too, I have sadly but futilely tried to save the life of a friend who was hit in front of me by a truck whilst making a legal right turn on a green arrow. I was a car back otherwise ......

You dont have to clock up the miles that Mr Little does to see abject stupidity on our roads, for a more Russian roulette approach go out on your bike!!!

I normally treat a motor bike like a motor car. I don't discount them. It's a moving vehicle on two wheels.

 

[Happy2]

Where was the other 3 %
I ride motor bikes - lets not even get me started on bloody driving habits of motorists ( and before the 99.9 recurring members of the forum start on about motorcyclists) and OTHER motorcyclists who ride/drive badly and make my bike riding experiences almost a daily hazard.
For the record I don't split lanes, I wait in my lane behind the traffic in front of me, I ride to be seen and in a visible part of my lane. I indicate as required to save my own skin and by law! I leave a gap to allow me to stop or evade emergency situations. I take off from lights quickly - because I can - I indicate what Im going to do well before I do it and then stay in one spot unless overtaking or turning.
Sadly I have also learnt thanks to men and women in cars to ride between hazards when they intentionally change lanes on me, Ive learnt that I can hit the dirt at a 100ks off the freeway and get up thanks to assistance from other drivers who stop to assist ( an italian stallion took offence to a female riding a large bike and tried to force me off the road - successfully ).

I get annoyed at cars parked in motor bike bays - just as I get annoyed at cars without ACROD stickers in disabled bays.

I am amused by youngsters in V8 utes trying to beat me at lights - trust me my Torque to weight ratio is far superior - you cant beat my bike no matter how much you rev the engine or drop your clutch!
Trucks overtaking me on country roads frighten the b jezus out of me - do you know how much drag their wind creates!!
I never venture down Mundaring Weir road - even in a car - so many motorcyclists have been killed on that road by vehicles who fail to negotiate the corners on their own side of the road and the only exits are tree lined and drop steeply to the valley.

Cars and trucks that turn in front of motor bikes is high too, I have sadly but futilely tried to save the life of a friend who was hit in front of me by a truck whilst making a legal right turn on a green arrow. I was a car back otherwise ......

You dont have to clock up the miles that Mr Little does to see abject stupidity on our roads, for a more Russian roulette approach go out on your bike!!!

I wish people on motorcycles wore something bright I never see them
And don't get me started on leathers They're a bitch to get untangled from the axle

Apologies Amanda

 

[Phoebe]

What gets me is how can they make seatbelts in cars compulsory right, but you can ride a motorbike in a tank top and shorts and no shoes.. why can't the law make it law that if you ride a bike you HAVE to wear leathers and full on safety gear no matter how long or short the ride is... come on...

 

[Happy2]

What gets me is how can they make seatbelts in cars compulsory right, but you can ride a motorbike in a tank top and shorts and no shoes.. why can't the law make it law that if you ride a bike you HAVE to wear leathers and full on safety gear no matter how long or short the ride is... come on...

Strange isn't it Phoebe as soon as the Wallopers or politicians mention exactly what you suggest the dreaded ,Nanny state gets bandied about

 

[Phoebe]

well its true, you come off a bike without gloves and the road is basically 100000 rough sand paper straight to the bone, however you look at Marquez the 500CC rider come off his bike even a highside and he walks away 99.9% of the times.. likewise most guys on a track... ... why cant they make it law... jesus they passed the smoking in cars law..

 

[Amanda Secrets]

I wish people on motorcycles wore something bright I never see them
And don't get me started on leathers They're a bitch to get untangled from the axle

Apologies Amanda

heheh Im laughing lol!! I usually find my heels get caught in the chain that's even worst!! lol

 

[Amanda Secrets]

What gets me is how can they make seatbelts in cars compulsory right, but you can ride a motorbike in a tank top and shorts and no shoes.. why can't the law make it law that if you ride a bike you HAVE to wear leathers and full on safety gear no matter how long or short the ride is... come on...

Phoebe - whilst I understand your sentiments I don't wear full leathers - I ride in shorts or leather pants depending on the warmth or cold or how long my trip is, same with my leather jacket - if its warm I wear leather waist coat only and I always ride in either hi heel thigh boots or ankle boots.
That is my choice and I will continue to ride like that !

 

[Rudyboy]

Mr Little...as my uncle used to say about people at roundabouts, "ffs, it's give way, not give UP!!!!"

 

[Dallas]

I like this thread mr little and I could write an essay of my own. I'm actually not a great driver but it seems that there are a lot worse than me.

I see lots of issues that seem to present themselves regularly, but this one I see so often I can often feel it coming on before it happens.

There is a situation that totally perplexes me. You are driving on a long double lane freeway and you are following someone in the left lane who's doing the speed limit. All good so far. Then they decide to pass a slower vehicle - often a B Double so they move into the right lane, so you follow them, but while logic would dictate to pass them quickly and efficiently - at least doing the same speed you were when you were behind them, once they get next to the truck, they seem to become trapped by some kind of strange magnetic field that holds them next to the truck in just about the most dangerous position for about 5km with you and a ten other cars behind them thinking what the hell?, while the truck is throwing up stones etc, until they finally break free but then once they do, they accelerate way over the speed limit so you all get to pass the truck, but can't pass the silly car because now the force isn't with them, they are flying ahead preventing you from passing them, so that they can do it all again at the next truck. I could go on and on with driving issues but i'd rather just talk about girls and sex

 

[Happy2]

I hate it at harvest when you pull over to the shoulder slow down As much as you dare with a fully laden truck But the 3 or 4 cars following are to cautious and wont take the opportunity to pass And if you see how narrow our roads here are you dont get many chances

 

[Amanda Secrets]

I hate it at harvest when you pull over to the shoulder slow down As much as you dare with a fully laden truck But the 3 or 4 cars following are to cautious and wont take the opportunity to pass And if you see how narrow our roads here are you dont get many chances

Try moving your herd of sheep then!! You put the signs out on the road and of course all the locals get it and are ultra careful, but as Murphy would have it some twit from the city starts honking and trying to drive through!
I tried to avoid being available to help out with the sheep any time of the year! Give me the tractor and Im bigger and tough luck if you're too daft to go around lol

 

[MrBig]

WOW!!!!!!! Gr8 thread...this actually happened to me...n im no angel n e more in the road
but this particular day i had just left our quarry driving long vehicle loaded to 84t gross..got to roundabout with give way sign couldnt see to right cause off overgriwn shrubs, so slowed down ready to give way.when i sa it was clear i accelerated and turned left...as i lpoked up coming thru roundaboutTHE WRONG WAY a brand new Toyota landcruiser he ending goin over the kerbing ...coukdnt care less if he done some damage

That was my cousin first day here visiting from Italy. Yu gotta problemo wid dat?

 

[MrBig]

I like this thread mr little and I could write an essay of my own. I'm actually not a great driver but it seems that there are a lot worse than me.

I see lots of issues that seem to present themselves regularly, but this one I see so often I can often feel it coming on before it happens.

There is a situation that totally perplexes me. You are driving on a long double lane freeway and you are following someone in the left lane who's doing the speed limit. All good so far. Then they decide to pass a slower vehicle - often a B Double so they move into the right lane, so you follow them, but while logic would dictate to pass them quickly and efficiently - at least doing the same speed you were when you were behind them, once they get next to the truck, they seem to become trapped by some kind of strange magnetic field that holds them next to the truck in just about the most dangerous position for about 5km with you and a ten other cars behind them thinking what the hell?, while the truck is throwing up stones etc, until they finally break free but then once they do, they accelerate way over the speed limit so you all get to pass the truck, but can't pass the silly car because now the force isn't with them, they are flying ahead preventing you from passing them, so that they can do it all again at the next truck. I could go on and on with driving issues but i'd rather just talk about girls and sex

Yes Dallas, I too can go on and on. On a similar vein to yours....
I often sit on constant speed (with out without cruise control) on freeway and left wherever possible but then as I do so I catch up with vehicle, change to right lane, get about only one car length ahead and then never get to pass it to be able to return to left lane, in fact the other driver then accelerates and get ahead of me whereby I return to left lane behind and then start to catch up again and the process repeats itself. I hadn't changed my speed.
Another, you're following a car as it's SLOWLY passing the traffic on the left lane and then when there are no other cars to pass, instead of the car in front of me moving left, accelerates and drives at a higher speed to get alongside the next car that's in the left lane, only to slow down and take forever to get past that one. (That strange magnetic field you mentioned).

 

[Dallas]

Yes Dallas, I too can go on and on. On a similar vein to yours....
I often sit on constant speed (with out without cruise control) on freeway and left wherever possible but then as I do so I catch up with vehicle, change to right lane, get about only one car length ahead and then never get to pass it to be able to return to left lane, in fact the other driver then accelerates and get ahead of me whereby I return to left lane behind and then start to catch up again and the process repeats itself. I hadn't changed my speed.
Another, you're following a car as it's SLOWLY passing the traffic on the left lane and then when there are no other cars to pass, instead of the car in front of me moving left, accelerates and drives at a higher speed to get alongside the next car that's in the left lane, only to slow down and take forever to get past that one. (That strange magnetic field you mentioned).

Yes!!! Both these I find often too! especially the car that speeds up as you're trying to overtake it, thats so annoying.

 

[XLNC]

If we had US-style gun laws, the following drivers would be run off the road and shot point blank.

Idiots who come tearing up behind me in the left lane (innocently cruising at or perhaps a whisker over the limit), overtake me, then return to the left lane in front of me and SLOW DOWN SO THAT I AM FORCED TO BRAKE AND DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. WTF?!!

 

[bepp]

That was my cousin first day here visiting from Italy. Yu gotta problemo wid dat?

Is he the Rat in the famiglia

 

[bepp]

(innocently cruising at or perhaps a whisker over the limit),

A whisker over the limit.??...tsk tsk tsk........you're still speeding

 

[MrBig]

Is he the Rat in the famiglia

Topo Gigio of my famiglia.

 

[bepp]

Topo Gigio of my famiglia. View attachment 40344

Ahhh no him well..betcha he gets eaten by

 

[Amanda Secrets]

 

[Happy2]

View attachment 40375

I'd laugh But I have been in a car with HP as the driver

 

[HappyPirate]

Ahoy a reply from;- Francesco-Schettino-the-captain-of-the-Costa-Concordia

I'd laugh But I have been in a car with HP as the driver

 

[Happy2]

My taxi driver who drove me from Perth domestic to the CBD had to change lanes every chance he got
The thing you notice is that the cars he's overtaken are beside or in front of you at the next lot of lights

 

[homer]

My taxi driver who drove me from Perth domestic to the CBD had to change lanes every chance he got
The thing you notice is that the cars he's overtaken are beside or in front of you at the next lot of lights

You can probably class that as mildly OCD. I've seen drivers like that too...jumping lanes and ended up behind me.

 

[Miss Chloe]

 

[scavenger]

View attachment 41712

Yep same as Bali , a horn is all you need.