Interesting articles

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Sat 27 Aug 2011 22:38
Interesting articles - Bobbin Threadbare

Just some interesting things from the DT: www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8649662/Slow-dri...l

I recall that we had a thread discussing slow drivers and how irritating they are. I greatly dislike it when drivers speed through towns (especially past a school or similar) but I also do get cheesed off by very slow drivers; it can be just as dangerous as driving too quickly (yes you! The chap in the Fiesta today who caused several of us to enter a motorway at 30mph because there was no way round you and you braked as you reached the end of the slip road!!!)

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 00:33
Interesting articles - NowWheels

People who brake on the slip road are horrily dangerous, but it's not just drivers in small cars who do that.

I had a nightmare experience about fifteen years ago when I was on the slip road beside a big Merc which stopped dead just before the slip road joined the motorway. The driver waited for a bit, and then floored it, which worked for her because of her car's massive acceleration.

It didn't work for me in my old diesel, which needed to be wound up slowly.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 00:44
Interesting articles - jamie745

I cant stand people who drive needlessly slowly either, especially in the dangerous manner Bobbin pointed out above and my pensioner in the 308 who couldnt stay in lane for example. Slip roads are even worse especially if you use any of the notoriously over-crowded roads long in need of widening like the A12 for example, there just isnt time or space to dawdle up the slip road, you need to get your foot to the floor or you will be killed.

I would object to any sort of 'slow speed camera' though because i dont agree with this mentality of camera's, enforcements and tickets to be the solution to any problems. We all know speed camera's have had no real positive impact on accident statistics, its just had positive impact on the Treasuries wallet, they havent served to really achieve anything so why would a slow speed camera achieve anything? Didnt Churchill once say something about too many laws undermines respect for them or some such? Too much legislation just turns us into lemons. Education, education, education etc is whats needed, more driver responsibility and more strict exams of the elderly being allowed to drive. Currently they sign a form at 70 declaring themselves to be fine, its not until they kill someone that their licence finally gets removed.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 00:51
Interesting articles - unthrottled

Ditto. My car is just about adequate from a rolling start but, if someone brakes on a slip road, I've got problems! I hate it when people do that.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 00:56
Interesting articles - jamie745

I recently discovered one instance where your 0-60 figure is relevant in the real world. I stopped at services off the dual carraigeway and i didnt realise until i went to leave that the slip road exit was very short, precious little space to build up speed before you're essentially in traffic. And this was rush hour time with lorries barelling along and if one person brakes then the whole country collapses, you know the time of day i mean! LOL!

Still, i decided to tackle this issue with some bravery! Waited for a gap and floored it and i was up to speed in no time. Im sure most of you will have come across services on the motorways etc where the exit from it is pretty short, i'd like to hear what unthrottled wouldve done in his slow horsebox hehe.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 16:53
Interesting articles - galileo

Are there not two lanes on most motorway slip roads?

I use the second lane to pass 'creepers' on the slip so I'm free to speed-match as I join the motorway.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 18:57
Interesting articles - Avant

That's fine as long as you're well clear of the troglodyte before you reach the motorway itself, or you'll be in troubl if there's traffic in the inside lane.

I agree - unnecessary braking can be as dangerous as excessive speed.

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Sun 28 Aug 2011 20:21
Interesting articles - Bobbin Threadbare

Galileo - yes, and I do the same thing as you if there is a creeper and use the other lane, but in this case I was entering the A74 (M) so it's an A road with 3 lanes like a motorway! Single lane slip road!

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