Motorway driving.

[tweek08]

How do you all handle motorway driving I am getting fearful of using the motorways these days not only are the surfaces in awful conditions the worst has to be awful drivers. I went to visit my mum yesterday in Milton Keynes and used to M1 both ways on my way south a car with Lithuanian plates came right up my rear end and was I can only guess a mater of inches off my rear end I could not see his headlights or bumper in my rear view mirror.

I moved across to the middle lane to let him go past and he then started to weave in and out of other cars to get further forward it seems the standard of driving has got so much worse over the last couple of yrs on our roads :(

[Heddy]

No, it's getting worse I must agree, but it's still regarded as safer than normal roads. Just have to try and stay out of trouble. It does take a lot more concentration/anticipation and more general awareness of others than it used to.

[Howie666]

How do you all handle motorway driving I am getting fearful of using the motorways these days not only are the surfaces in awful conditions the worst has to be awful drivers. I went to visit my mum yesterday in Milton Keynes and used to M1 both ways on my way south a car with Lithuanian plates came right up my rear end and was I can only guess a mater of inches off my rear end I could not see his headlights or bumper in my rear view mirror.

I moved across to the middle lane to let him go past and he then started to weave in and out of other cars to get further forward it seems the standard of driving has got so much worse over the last couple of yrs on our roads :(

I agree. Some sections of motorway are worse than the b and c roads I have driven on. I try to stick to the inside lane but the surface is like those stress testing tracks the car companies use.
And there are so many complete numbskulls driving their audis and beemers at 100 mph plus it's taking your life into your hands.

[championdaddy]

I just stay in the left lane most times.....60-70.......most things over take........i dont care.

Turn the wireless up. and chill and think that most of the monkeys out there......are not enjoying their car like i do !!!!

[Heddy]

I just stay in the left lane most times.....60-70.......most things over take........i dont care.

Turn the wireless up. and chill and think that most of the monkeys out there......are not enjoying their car like i do !!!!

Best way to go. Wireless, love it:D

[championdaddy]

I suppose technically..........you cant call the radio wireless eh LOL

[Heddy]

I suppose technically..........you cant call the radio wireless eh LOL

Of course you can, I think the A30's and A35's I saw at the weekend had a 'Cats Whisker' fitted :D

[rich17865]

I agree, the driving of today is rubbish.

I try any do all my driving very early or very late to avoid as much of the other road users as possible.

[championdaddy]

I had a farina version...........basic driving at its best

[capese21]

I stay in the inside lane unless overtaking. I managed 70 to 80 all the way back home on the M11 yesterday. There are always those who drive very fast in the outside lane, best to keep out of their way and relax. Often the inside lane is clear as loads of divers just lane hog.

One guy in a 320d was also driving like me, 70 to 80 inside and middle. Not all BMW drivers are idiots.

I rarely use the outside lane and unless prepared to go 90!! Driving in Italy was better as drivers do not lane hog and keep their distance.

Ed:}

[Ched]

I work nights driving a truck and it used to be the best time to drive but not anymore, in fact some of the things I see people do at night they would not get away with in the day.
The standard of driving is diabolical, and the standard of driving of some policemen leaves a lot to be desired.

[woolleysox]

I just stay in the left lane most times.....60-70.......most things over take........i dont care.

Turn the wireless up. and chill and think that most of the monkeys out there......are not enjoying their car like i do !!!!


Me too but it's my 60s SD not the radio as I still can't work the cats whisker:p:



Rob

[kentish]

yes the standard of driving has definately declined in my 30 years at the wheel, on motorways I would say the use of slip roads at junctions joining the main carriageway, or rather the inability of cars to join correctly poses the biggest hazard!! the majority just launch out with little idea of what is on the main carriageway or no anticipation to move into a gap correctly

[The Mighty Quinn]

I don't do very much motorway driving, but I must say it's generally a pleasant enough experience over here, as they tend to be comparitively quiet.
The main irritation I have is with drivers who pass and then immediately cut-in in front of you, happens at least 80% of the time and apart from the inevitable stone chipping, it also causes you (or "one") to have to lift off the accelerator - annoying, even for a slowbie like me!

[shaunscully75]

It's just a lack of basic manners that irritates me most.. when you get near a motorway junction you carefully move over to the centre lane to give joining drivers the space to get into the flow of traffic, but that's not enough for some, oh nowhere near enough, then they cut you up as they charge across to the outside lane..
And then there's suddenly encountering an upturned wheelbarrow in the middle of the M6 as happened to me once. And a deer running across the M55..

[DMGRS]

How do you all handle motorway driving I am getting fearful of using the motorways these days not only are the surfaces in awful conditions the worst has to be awful drivers. I went to visit my mum yesterday in Milton Keynes and used to M1 both ways on my way south a car with Lithuanian plates came right up my rear end and was I can only guess a mater of inches off my rear end I could not see his headlights or bumper in my rear view mirror.

I moved across to the middle lane to let him go past and he then started to weave in and out of other cars to get further forward it seems the standard of driving has got so much worse over the last couple of yrs on our roads :(

I agree, however I'm also finding a lot of road users are sat in the middle and outside lanes without reason. This causes a lot of frustration on the roads - there was a woman sat in the middle of an empty motorway, meaning everyone had to change from lane 1 to lane 2, then to lane 3, then back to 2, and finally back to 1.

Remember everyone, if the lane to your left is empty, move into it. :D

[Howie666]

I stay in the inside lane unless overtaking. I managed 70 to 80 all the way back home on the M11 yesterday. There are always those who drive very fast in the outside lane, best to keep out of their way and relax. Often the inside lane is clear as loads of divers just lane hog.

One guy in a 320d was also driving like me, 70 to 80 inside and middle. Not all BMW drivers are idiots.

I rarely use the outside lane and unless prepared to go 90!! Driving in Italy was better as drivers do not lane hog and keep their distance.

Ed:}

I agree that not all BMW drivers are idiots. I have been cut up, off, tailgated and generally threatened by almost every make of car. I have to say that on balance, though, it has been large German cars driven by apparently very angry and impatient folk of both sexes that provide the most challenging situations. One memorable BMW experience was a gentleman with a long white beard and spectacles driving his M5 in the inside lane at 45mph. A number of lorry drivers were somewhat frustrated that day.

[murphyv310]

Hi.
Driving standards are awful! I do 30,000-40,000 a year in the van and 4,000 max miles in the 75. What I see out there is plain crazy. I rarely go over 70 and on motorways and drive as per the highway code and what I've learned in the IAM & ROSPA, the nearside lane is for driving in and other lanes are for overtaking. I always leave well in excess of the 2 second rule when following another vehicle.
One of the problems today is drivers attitude of "my car is safe" with N Cap 5 ratings, airbags, traction control and all the safety features lulling them into a false sense of security.
In 1971 when I passed my test a 1100cc Escort estate would struggle to do 70, so many sub 1 litre cars now are good for 100, no wonder so many risks are taken.

[MrDoodles]

You answered your own question in the 1st post!.....

[pab]

One thing that bugs the hell out of me is undertaking. The next in the pecking order are middle lane hoggers.

Previously mentioned in this thread is driving at the legal limit in the inside lane. You will get to your destination safely and in one piece if you follow this practice.

[macafee2]

if I get tail gated, up comes the electric rear blind :)


macafee2

[Weso]

What's a motorway....:D

(Norfolk resident)

[mystabe]

I drive at 80-90 ducking in and out of the two outer lanes as I always have in any decent car - it's the real world :D :getmecoat:

[pab]

I drive at 80-90 ducking in and out of the two outer lanes as I always have in any decent car - it's the real world :D :getmecoat:

You got a clean licence? ;)

[MangoMan]

I just stay in the left lane most times.....60-70.......most things over take........i dont care.

Turn the wireless up. and chill and think that most of the monkeys out there......are not enjoying their car like i do !!!!

I tend to do more or less the same - far more relaxing...

And so what if you get there a few minutes later than everybody else... :shrug: :cool:

[mystabe]

You got a clean licence? ;)

yup, over 25 years now :eek:

;)

oh, hang on, apart from a 'speed awareness course' a few years ago for doing 36 in a 30 where I learned I'd actually been going slower on some roads than I needed to......

Don't be a muppet and drive to the road conditions :)

[geo.k23]

you could not see his head lights or bumper but you could tell it was a Lithuanian number plate?...strange.:getmecoat:

[MrDoodles]

you could not see his head lights or bumper but you could tell it was a Lithuanian number plate?...strange.:getmecoat:

Not difficult to spot once he'd gone by! ;)

[DMGRS]

One thing that bugs the hell out of me is undertaking. The next in the pecking order are middle lane hoggers.

Previously mentioned in this thread is driving at the legal limit in the inside lane. You will get to your destination safely and in one piece if you follow this practice.

It depends though, undertaking can be perfectly safe.
If there's a middle lane hogger and I'm on a clear motorway, I'll often progress as per previous in the inner lane, and pass the hogger.

It's when people duck and dive in heavy traffic that undertaking becomes dangerous.

[Billy1mate]

How do you all handle motorway driving I am getting fearful of using the motorways these days not only are the surfaces in awful conditions the worst has to be awful drivers. I went to visit my mum yesterday in Milton Keynes and used to M1 both ways on my way south a car with Lithuanian plates came right up my rear end and was I can only guess a mater of inches off my rear end I could not see his headlights or bumper in my rear view mirror.

I moved across to the middle lane to let him go past and he then started to weave in and out of other cars to get further forward it seems the standard of driving has got so much worse over the last couple of yrs on our roads :(

Just drive in lane 2 when lane 1 is empty.

[mystabe]

You people have obviously never had to commute to work somewhere involving roads like the M62/60 :D They are the badlands and you are more likely to have an accident if you follow the 'rules' because no one else is!! Be aware of EVERYTHING and you should be all right, sit there going ' the highway code clearly states.....' and...........:shrug:

:D

[DMGRS]

Just drive in lane 2 when lane 1 is empty.

I hope that was a joke!

[BernieM]

If you are not overtaking, you should be in the near side lane (it is now an offence not to be)
Seems to be a British disease, you do not see this on the Continent....
Try it in Germany!! Lol

[MrDoodles]

If you are not overtaking, you should be in the near side lane (it is now an offence not to be)

Seems to be a British disease, you do not see this on the Continent....

Try it in Germany!! Lol


You'd get an S Class in your boot at 155 mph!

[mystabe]

If you are not overtaking, you should be in the near side lane (it is now an offence not to be)
Seems to be a British disease, you do not see this on the Continent....
Try it in Germany!! Lol


Depends on the road - I'm happy in the inside lane IF I'm not constantly fighting the car because of the 'tramlines' created by trucks...... seriously, have some of you actually driven on Britain's motorways recently?

[Frameside]

Lane discipline is rubbish in the UK. We could learn a lot from the French!

I live in Milton Keynes and commute up and down a lot for work, sometimes 1000 miles a week. if I can I get out early, and now there is a good link to the A1 from junction 13 M1 I use that to go north as it is generally less busy and stressful.
I don't hang about but do drive with large gaps between me and the car in front I too have noticed that cars following me seem to be getting closer. My strategy is to lift off the gas and slow down to let the numpty go by.

[Billy1mate]

I hope that was a joke!

With a hint of sarcasm:D I get fed up of the middle lane hoggers.

[murphyv310]

You people have obviously never had to commute to work somewhere involving roads like the M62/60 :D They are the badlands and you are more likely to have an accident if you follow the 'rules' because no one else is!! Be aware of EVERYTHING and you should be all right, sit there going ' the highway code clearly states.....' and...........:shrug:

:D

Hi.
I don't agree. I've commuted for a very long time. I worked in Glasgow for many a year and the M8 is one of the busiest roads in the UK, I don't weave in and out, I'm in the correct lane from the start of same section of road till I come of at the required exit. For five years I worked for Sony service in Alexandra Parade in Glasgow, travelling from Kilmarnock at peak times. I don't lie in my pit till the last minute, I get up in a timely manner listen to the traffic reports, set off earlier if necessary and use alternative routes if necessary. I was only late for work once in 5 years (for which I got a certificate of punctuality) was never stressed nor had any accidents. I stuck to the rules of the road and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[bl52krz]

I don't do very much motorway driving, but I must say it's generally a pleasant enough experience over here, as they tend to be comparitively quiet.
The main irritation I have is with drivers who pass and then immediately cut-in in front of you, happens at least 80% of the time and apart from the inevitable stone chipping, it also causes you (or "one") to have to lift off the accelerator - annoying, even for a slowbie like me!
I agree with the overtaking and cutting in, idiots. Also you doing 70, or perhaps a bit more? and you overtaking someone, and it seems to me that they "are not going to be overtaken by an old Rover 75", and put their foot down, which is breaking the highway code? I am not bothered about the 90mph beamers and "porches", sometime i join them and some time i dont. The only thing that worries me is when it is raining and they are still doing the same type of speed. They are then dangerous drivers.

[bl52krz]

Lane discipline is rubbish in the UK. We could learn a lot from the French!

I live in Milton Keynes and commute up and down a lot for work, sometimes 1000 miles a week. if I can I get out early, and now there is a good link to the A1 from junction 13 M1 I use that to go north as it is generally less busy and stressful.
I don't hang about but do drive with large gaps between me and the car in front I too have noticed that cars following me seem to be getting closer. My strategy is to lift off the gas and slow down to let the numpty go by.
What can we learn from the French? I have been driving on the continent for 30 years, and every country has its share of goons. Nearly railroaded into the third lane by gormless driver to busy talking to passenger coming on at a junction at a m/way intersection in France, straight into second lane. My brother, who was behind in his V8 MGB, said he thought we had had it. Some of the worse driving (speed) i have seen was in Germany on a 2 lane Autobahn in pouring rain, must have been doing 130 mph in his Mercedes. Spray was horrendous, dont know how he could see where he was going. Probably couldn't. Italy's m/ways are o/k, just the scooters on the town roads that are mad. Come within inches of you at 30/40 mph. Not to bad over here, just the ridiculous holdups on the m/ways and A/B roads.

[Ched]

If the govt had included 4 points to the £100 fine for lane 2 and 3 hoggers just think how many idiots would have lost their licence and been off the road in a week. :duh::}.......but thats only if we had some motorway police to enforce it.

[rich17865]

What can we learn from the French?

How to run away?

[tweek08]

How to run away?



Shouldn't but :laughing2: :getmecoat:

[bubs]

I find the worst on motorways/A-roads is people who pull right in front of you. They overtake and as soon is their car is past yours they pull straight in, usually within a car length or 2. I'm sure they would complain if the traffic stops suddenly and they get rear ended.