I have a commute of which around 30 miles is motorway. Depending ont he day, the weather and numerous other factors I might drive to work in a Galaxy, a Landcruiser or a CLK.
The different way they are treated amazes me, especially given that I would be around 80mph with the cruise control on most of the time whichever car I am in.
If I am in the CLK the world either wants to block me, or will speed up every time I try to overtake. Speeding up is always easy to spot since I have cruise control on. But if I come up behind them there is no way they will move out of my way. Why ? There isn't much chance of you being able to out run me if I put my mind to it, and the few cars that could never bother to try. You were obviously happy at whatever speed you were driving, why speed up just because I'm coming past ?
If I am in the Landcruiser I will get tailgated. Usually some some plonker (or "little shunt" as they were called recently) in some microscopic japanese go faster thing. Why would you tailgate a Landcruiser ? You'r e not going to intimidate me and if I do hit the brakes you're not going to do me much damage either. Although I'll be picking bits of your car out of the tyre treads for weeks.
If I am in the Galaxy the world seems ambivalent towards me. It doesn't try to hold me up, it doesn't try to get me out of the way, it jjust seems to accept me. All together a much more peaceful drive to work.
I know the easy thing to do is to say that I drive differently depending on which car I'm in, but I'm damn sure that I don't. I drive netiher faster nor slower, nor in one lane more than another. Its a commmute, I do it day in day out the same way every day.
So why do people tailgate a big car, try to out run a fast car and ignore a middle of the road car ?
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a middle of the road car ?
>:o( See lane discipline thread.
;o)
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You're too late, I've confessed ages ago.
If there's not much traffic around and I'm not causing congestion, go around me, either side - because I'm not moving in and out of the inside lane every 200 yards just to keep you happy. And don't bother swerving over all the lanes across my nose to "remind me" to pull over, cause I just think you're a no life plonker.
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Fantastic grasp of humour there, FM. Well done.
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Sorry, mss, I was intending to be humourous - I certainly wasn't aiming any comments at you.
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I don't regularly drive on motorways in different cars, but I've noticed a similar effect to No FM2R on suburban roads (recently have been driving BMW 318Ci, SEAT Leon Cupra, MX5 and MGB GT). In the MG, you stand a far better chance of being let out of side roads (sympathy?), although people do drive very close behind (some perception that it's too slow, although I keep up with traffic with no problem). In the MX5, similar effect re being let out, especially with the roof down! In the SEAT, hot hatch types did seem to see it as a challenge at traffic lights, otherwise as a 'middle of the road' car, no real effects. In the BMW, I found people to be generally more aggressive and less tolerant. Less likely to be let out of side roads!
For what it's worth.
Alex.
--
Dr Alex Mears
MG BGT 1971
If you are in a hole stop digging...unless
you are a miner.
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Last year when I drove SWMBO's Micra on a dual carriage way, I noticed a considerable difference in the way other road users treated me when compared with the Passat I had at the time. Many drivers were more aggressive - for instance on several occasions they cut in on me sharply after overtaking.
SWMBO has commented that the attitude of other drivers has changed noticeably since she got the Grand Scenic.
_______
IanS
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Like it or not cars are stero typed regardless of who is driving them.
Maybe because of yearsof prestigious car owbners driving like they did own the roads has deeply upset enough people who are now reacting to it.?
Little car owners have to prove their car is as fast any others?
And real fast cars drivers are just happy letting everyone get out of the way?
I prefer to drive a quick, older, mid range car anytime. Normally allows me to press on when I need to but doesnt seem to offend too many road users on the way.
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Funny, this. When driving I react not to the makes of other vehicles, but the way they are driven. I believe this is what proper drivers do. The point is not what the thing is, or thinks it is, or whose driver thinks it is, or you think it is: the point is what it's doing and what it's about to do.
I can't say I have ever noticed any differences in the road behaviour of others caused by what I am driving. Except once, perhaps, when I had left the keys hanging from the nearside doorhandle of my Bentley in the late sixties. A van driver pointed this out in the Marylebone Road, then added rather rudely: 'The keys to your safe.' Fat lot he knew, although I was on the way to work and it was work that involved wearing a suit.
Not just on motorways, but on many roads, quite a lot of drivers will pull into your path and then dawdle away as if they had all the time in the world, causing you to brake and generally raising your blood pressure. One of my many pet hates, the complacent slackjawed mimser with neither judgement nor consideration.
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OK, no exaggerations here, this actually happens a lot.
I'm going down lane 2 at an "appropriate speed" in my 300C and I'll be making steady progress towards some (insert comment here for people you cruise down lane 2 because they don't think that lane 1 applies to them, I know lets call them rhubarb and custards) who is parping along in lane 2.
After a while, the guy in front looks in his mirror, does a double take and then the car seemingly leaps out of the way into lane 1 - the driver of the car giving the car a real good look as you drive on by, but this is the fun bit.
Then what happens is that the guy that you've just overtaken gives it some gas and immediately pull out to overtake me and has his passenger giving it a big rubberneck to see what the badge says on the front of the grille - at this point you can usually lip read "no, it's not a Bentley".
The car then overtakes you, pulls back into lane ! and slows down again.
As you re-overtake him, the driver ALWAYS makes eye contact, nearly always smiles at you, and sometimes waves.
It's great fun and hugely satisfying.
MTC
p.s. all the details of the above have been supplied by Mrs Cat who still gets a kick out of seeing it happen. T^o me it just adds to the joy of driving Arnie.
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I too have a commute of which about 30 miles is motorway (M1, J5-J13). I use either the Landcruiser or the Yaris. I'd like to think I drive them the same way - especially with the roadworks there isn't much scope for anything but "going with the flow".
The amount of abuse I get in the Yaris is amazing . By abuse, I mean people cutting me up, pulling out in front of me etc. no matter how I anticipate or room I give. When I'm in the Landcruiser they just seem to get on with it, I give them space and they do likewise. Same commute but it's far more relaxing in the 'cruiser.
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Quite sad in one sense that people still stereotype and don't treat everyone equally. But hey, that is life.
For me, as long as the driver drives well, I am fine and everyone on the road is happy; If they drive badly, then I know they have a mental disorder (put it how you want)...e.g. lack of education, not knowing that cars kill, thinking they are invinsible, overconfidence etc etc.
Overall, drivers in the UK are exceptional...it is only the minority that spoil it and anticipation and experience together with a defensive driving technique will keep us safe. Of course accidents happen, but I think everyone on this forum should think hard about how they can improve their driving (inc. me). E.g keeping distance, not rushing, not being tired, going slower in rain etc etc.
Greg
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I agree completely with the sentiment that everyone should try and improve their driving.
My own shortcomings (that I'm aware of) are:
a tendency to pull out slightly too close to someone that's just overtaken me on a motorway when I'm waiting to pass the person in front, temporarily compromising my own stopping distance
a tendency to be slightly lazy on a quiet motorway, and stay in the middle lane rather than dodge in and out every minute or so.
I try and avoid both of these, but am aware I still do it. What are other people's known shortcomings?
Back on the original subject, I also find that the car makes a huge difference to how you are treated. I get pretty much left alone in the Accord, but my gf's Ka gets given much less leeway. Sad really.
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a tendency to be slightly lazy on a quiet motorway, and stay in the middle lane rather than dodge in and out every minute or so.
Assuming it's "quiet" like you've said I don't see a problem with that.
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I never move over to lane 1 unless I can stay in that lane for a good length of time. If someone wishes to overtake then they can use lane 3.
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I never move over to lane 1 unless I can stay in that lane for a good length of time. If someone wishes to overtake then they can use lane 3.
I like to think my approach is similarly pragmatic. I don't get in anyone's way and I make good progress. The pulling out is a more genuine shortcoming, this one more a not sticking to the letter of the law.
It does amaze me how some people completely fail to read the road, look ahead and anticipate the movements of others though. Examples being an entry slip on a bisy motorway where nobody lets people in, or drivers on motorways not anticipating the effect of hills on HGV and other traffic.
Perhaps everyone should be forced to take the motorbike test - I think it would do wanders for observation and general awareness of surroundings...?
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Please to whoever, stop being lazy and stay out the two overtaking lanes unless you are actually overtaking. I understand that you don't want to be zipping in and out but whilst you think you are not effecting anyone else you probably are even from way behind you. Others tend to follow too and eventually it all goes silly as everyone stays in the middle overtaking lane. Lead by example.
Manouvering in and out also keeps you aware of traffic around you - alert.
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Enoughalready - if it's a quiet motorway, then I'm not affecting anyone. There's another lane for you to get past, and if there is a decent gap I'll move in anyway, especially if there is anyone catching me up.
Also, I'm going to be doing between 75 and 80 anyway, so if you're catching me up quickly enough for it to be a factor then I've got no sympathy.
Having said all that, can I wholeheartedly support your view that moving in and out keeps you alert. I hate middle lane hoggers who sit there when there is no traffic in the inside lane. That was *not* the situation I was describing.
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P.S. Has anyone else noticed that I flagged this as an aspect of my driving that I regard as a weakness, but now I'm robustly defending myself?? Very odd, I wonder what that tells me about some aspect of my own psycological makeup? :-)
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I don't think you need to defend your comments.
It's all about making sensible judgements based on the prevailing traffic flow. If lane 3 is busy and there is sufficent opportunity to move to lane 1 for a sensible period of time, then I shall move across. However there is no way I am going to move across into lane 1 for a few seconds to let someone pass who could easily use lane 3.
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I guess that anyone who is aware of their weaknesses are actually better drivers than those who are not.
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Better drivers do not have weaknesses. That is why they are better.
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I had a TVR Griff 500 quite a few years ago when they were 'in' and people thought it fair game to try to race you at every opportunity. The thing is this most of them were beat up unmodded escorts and even a 1.6 Capri! Of course now I drive boring cars so don't get that as much but the age of the other driver does reflect how they react to you and your type of ve-hickel.
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When driving the van on the motorway I do try and buck the white van man stereotype, by letting others out and keeping distances. maybe that's because it's my van and it's essential for my work.
Now you come to mention it FM the landrover does attract its fair share of hot hatch loonies. The problem is that the hatches they drive around these parts really ain't that hot.
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The type of car you drive automatically gives you an image that some will react to. This is a subcontious reaction and they probably don't even know they are doing it.
They see:
The CLK as a 'flash g i t that tinks they own the road. Don't they know I do'
The Landcruiser as 'thinks he's big and strong huh? I'll show him big and strong'
The Galaxy as 'what car, where?'
Just my thoughts
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In my opinion, it's entirely to do with the assumptions (subconscious or otherwise) that people make about you due to the car you drive and straightforward jealousy of the: "You've got a flash car and I can make myself feel superior to you by holding you up" variety.
I've noticed it too since I changed my car. In Polo, everyone would let me pull out, but I'd get bullied all over the motorway by lorries (I know there's an obvious joke there) and bigger cars.
Now I'm a young girl driving a spanking new Golf, women wont let me out, and young men in older/less expensive cars wont either. But on the motorway, people must assume I'm a rep because I am just left alone to get on with my journey. Maybe it helps to be in a slightly bigger car.
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Its nothing personal, but young men won't let you out because they want to see what the young girl in the new golf looks like. Phwoar.
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"Phwoar."
I can assure it's not that!
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Don't sell yourself short!
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In my opinion, it's entirely to do with the assumptions (subconscious or otherwise) that people make about you due to the car you drive and straightforward jealousy of the: "You've got a flash car and I can make myself feel superior to you by holding you up" variety.
In my case above, I think it's down to basic self-preservation and (subconscious or otherwise) risk assesment; They see the Yaris and think they can get away with cutting me up or turning across my path into side turnings, cutting in front at roundabouts when I have the RoW.... they think I'll back off or come off worse if the anything happens. In most cases they are right. In the Landcruiser it's a different story .......though I hasten to add that I do not drive the 'cruiser (or any car for that matter) aggressively.
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At the end of July my daughter in her 12-year-old Citroen AX followed my Citroen C8 down the 2-lane A1 from Catterick to the A614 junction at Worksop. Aware of the lack of power and experience in the AX, I kept to as near 70 as traffic would allow, moving smartly out of the way of faster traffic and keeping her visible in the mirror as far as possible. We travelled on a weekday late morning so we were mixing it with trucks, white vans, reps and other 'professional' drivers.
What struck me was the way that the AX would get bullied by blazes of headlights from Vectras and Mondeos without apparent provocation whereas the same car coming upon the C8 a minute or so later, travelling at essentially the same speed, would wait for me to complete my overtake with no flashing. I'm excepting the couple of drivers who were so close to the bicycles on the back of my car that they must have had tyre marks on their bonnets and I wouldn't have seen their lights anyway. I would say my daughter was treated significantly worse by car drivers than van drivers. Fortunately, she is sanguine about such things.
It's difficult to be objective about such matters when family is involved but I have driven with my daughter and would say her lane discipline is excellent for a young driver and good by any other standards.
Conclusion; people's reactions are influenced by the type of car they are following. Why, I can't say.
Hawkeye
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Stranger in a strange land
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Same Here.
BMW - the Devil incarnate.
Honda IMA - a Tree Hugger ( I guess that's why the hug my boot in return)
Defender - The outcast - nobody will come anywhere near me either due to the battle scars it bears or they realize that they'll become my crumple zone in an accident.
1200GS, I'm too fast to catch and other cars will get out of the way of the mad hooligan on a motorbike.
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Mr No
Its very easy really
In the Merc you are classed as a ponce, in the Bruiser a pig, and in the Galaxy a parent,
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Thank you Mr. Family. That explains it all nicely. Although I'm sure you meant fast ponce, intimidating pig and loving parent.
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I dont like to judge or pigeon hole people, you know that.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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RF - you should be on the telly.
I drove a rented Focus today. Bombing down the Motorway at a steady cough cough mph making better real world progress than in my normal car I begin to wonder why I ever bothered with the Beemer. I wasn't tailgated, boxed in by trucks, flashed at or sneered at.....
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Let that be a lesson to you PU. Any old garbage can swim down the outside lane.
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When I had a battered old Land Rover 90 I didn't get much trouble in city traffic! In that annoying circumstance where you spot a parking space, signal left and then draw past the space to reverse in, but the car behind drives up behind you to stop you, in my Land Rover all I needed to do was put it in reverse and start to edge backwards, ignoring any hooting. It always worked but I wouldn't dare try it in my Golf!
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Same experience today over the same miles, this Focus is invisible I'm convinced. Cracking Motorway car. Gone back to the hire company today.
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I have to say, in my opinion the focus I had was a rubbish motorway car. THe gearing was set just right to cause a nasty drone at 70-80mph. The wheelbase was set just right to cause a nasty pitching oscilation, the seat was uncomfortable, and the driving postion was poor.
A good dash from A-B over country roads car, but three hours on the motorway would have me reaching for a flaggon of poison.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Did you drive that into any public service vehicles RF?
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You must come with me on a drive of the back roads of Rutland Adam........
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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But I want to live. (And I don't mean that as in have fun - I mean actually live)
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> RF - you should be on the telly.
He is but I think you need an 'enthusiasts' satellite system and dodgy card to see him.
Kevin...
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Keeping a steady speed in an older car is interesting too. The 4 Citroen turbo diesels I've had have all been geared to 25mph/1000 rpm, making 3000 rpm 75 mph and a nice M-way cruising speed. It's dead easy to keep the speed constant, as 3000 rpm is at the top of the dial. Doesn't happen so much in the Xantia now, but when I had the BX at 12 or 13 years old, I would pass people dawdling on the m-way at 65 or so in shiny new cars, then they would suddenly realise they had been overtaken by a 13 year old Citroen (surely it should have broken down...??) speed up to come past, then settle back into the 65mph doddle. Cue me passing them again, and them passing me. Weird. Usually ended up upping the speed a bit to put some tarmac between me and them....
--
RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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I thought people would be hostile to my A3, but they're not. Maybe because it's a girly colour (liquid blue)? Not sure. The only car in which I've ever had lots of attitude problems given to me was an Audi TT. I tend to have fairly neutral cars as a rule, only my penchant for girly colours and flashy big wheels marks me out in any way!
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Agree with SS when I had an old Land Rover. People just got out of the way, pulling well over on narrow roads. Great fun barging your way through, posh types worried about their squillion pound electrically operated door mirrors getting whacked by a piece of 1960 iron bolted to the door. (also known as a Series 2A door mirror....)
Front bumper was 'adequate' as well and it didn't have a rear bumper - just an extension of the chassis...
I miss that old thing, if something went wrong it was easy and cheap to fix.
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Some posh types I know drive Landies, but they are old rich not the new type....
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