Evening all,
Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed my driving getting a bit more...."frantic". I've been getting angry at people and driving pretty fast. Not dangerous but just not particularly polished. I noticed my gear changes getting a lot more jerky because I was rushing to get everywhere really quick.
The last straw was driving down the motorway last week and not noticing a fully marked Police Range Rover on the other carriageway on the hard shoulder until I had gone past it. (Normally I could tell you what reg it was before you even realised there was a Police car anywhere near)
So, deciding I didn't like this new Adam style of driving and much preferring my smooth, observant "Dad taught style" I thought "Enough is enough". I sat down and read my 1974 copy of Roadcraft. Deciding this wasn't enough, I then imagined Dad was in the car with me constantly whether I was alone or had friends in it. I then decided that if someone pulled out in front of me, so be it. I didn't have to make it my mission to overtake them because they were going 20mph than the limit.
So far, it's been a resounding success. After a day of consciously trying, I've become smooth and observant again without even thinking about it. I was following a mate today in his car and saw a tree cutting man...cutting branches off a tree ahead. One fell off and I saw (and moved over to avoid) long before my mate in front even saw what was happening.
I've no idea how long it will last. Petrol consumption has remained completely unchanged and I still have fun on the twisties but I'm a lot more relaxed about doing it.
No doubt I'll crash tomorrow having said all that but I thought I'd share it with you anyway.
|
Incidentally, that's not meant to sound anywhere near as smug as it reads!
Sorry ;-)
|
Hi I?m Adam
I?ve met a girl - well not a girl exactly - she?s a full grown woman with two kids. I think they?ve all moved in with me.
|
|
|
As for enjoying the drive as well as doing the safe bit, if you've got a good local group, and it doesn't cramp your style (or whatever that's called these days :-) joing the local Rospa Advanced Group and go for it - it really is good fun - honest!
All the best,
G.
|
|
|
|
Well done. 10/10 Adam...I doubt you will crash, 1/2 the battle is knowing you need to up your game, and you've done that bit.
I hope it lasts a long time :-) We only get one go at this life!
|
I am actually seriously considering doing an advanced driving course. Money's a bit tight at the minute as I'm saving for a trip to Vegas but my birthday's in August...
Thanks for the advice Graham.
And Dave. Dave Dave Dave. You've been watching too much TV mate!
|
BBD - either Ive had too much beer tonight or you have - I think it *might* be me :-)
Adam. Give it a shot, if they're as tight as we are down here, it won't cost you much at all.
|
|
|
"Money's a bit tight at the minute"
Hardly surprising with two teenagers to support. Are you taking them to Vegas?
|
No - I sold them to BT.
Speaking of which, got to chase them up about my cheque!
|
Adam: you haven't said much for a couple of days.
Yr self-critical post is admirable.
Frantic is never good, and when you are young it can take a positive effort not to be frantic. Relaxed, vigilant and elegant is best. Gets you there just as soon and much happier.
Of course yr dad taught you that. Go well.
|
>>Frantic is never good, and when you are young it can take a positive effort not to be frantic.>>
The trouble is that you are too old to care when realisation strikes...:-)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
|
|
|
|
Adam - the local IAM meet at the Priory Wood, 10am sunday (thats morning, if your awake) - I'm sure if you went up and expressed an interest but claimed to be a poverty stricken student, you would get at least one free 'run' out of them.
Be curious, size them up (remember they are not professionals), ask questions (but not about the last chairman, currently banned for 12 months for drink-driving..... ;-))
Go on, get out of the car...
www.mikes-walks.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
I sat down and read my 1974 copy of Roadcraft.
Crikey Adamski, that was published before you were born!
--
L\'escargot.
|
|
|
Good move. I have found that your newly chosen style along with complying with the speed limit gets me through the city quicker here in Sunderland because you have the time and space to select the right lanes and react to changing traffic conditions.
Slower really is faster.
|
Thanks for everyone's helpful replies. I'll address each one in turn.
Lud - sorry - I've been busy with coursework and it's only going to get worse with only 7 weeks left at Uni! You are right though - I get there much more relaxed and happier having been relaxed about it. It doesn't even mean you have to drive like a doddery old man - you can go quick but just be more observant. I do hope it lasts as I lke it!
Mike - I didn't know that. 10am is pushing it but in the interests of safe driving I may give it a whirl. And I'll be tactful too!
Snaily - I got it given to me by a friend. I've got a 1994 version somewhere but that seems far more political and law-like than the '74 version. (E.g. instead of make good progress whilst observing the road ahead a la Roadcraft 1974, you get "You must never speed under any circumstances". It seems more like another highway code rather than how to drive properly.
Chris - I'd hate to drive through a city every day - a bustling town is bad enough - you can't get anywhere near the speed limit let alone exceed it! (Probably best) But I see what you mean - yesterday I was pretty late but decided not to rush and made up the time on the motorway (safely!) and I got there in just the same time as if I'd have been driving like a crazed loon!
The only thing is - I've found myself shaking my head at a lot of things. Still - better than yelling at people I guess.
Thanks again for everyione's contributions.
Adam
|
|
|
|
