New to forum, and just wanted to make a first contribution.
An overriding and desperate issue in this 'world of motoring' has to be how we counteract this 'speed disease'. I believe it is the most major factor in accidents and it has spread throughout our society at an appalling rate. Many people and not just young people live a 'fast paced' lifestyle where everything has to be achieved at high speed. Think about how we are rushed through supermarket checkouts, 5 minute time slots at GP surgeries, and even speed dating. Are we addicted to speed?
I believe the 'speed' problem does often go hand in hand with lack of concentration, or what to me appears to be a lack of interest in driving, with more importance being put on other things, like texting your mate. Many only see the vehicle as a means to get somewhere quickly, and their frustration is evident when held up in queues or stuck behind 'one of us' traveling at the legal speed limit. There are many sub factors I'm sure in accident causes, and bad driving seems to be a big issue. I think many 'bad drivers' have the ability to drive effectively, however the speed bug takes hold and disinterest in driving sets in. Disaster looms.
I'm not a qualified advanced driver, nor would I class myself as one, although it is something I want to achieve. But I think what sets 'us' apart is that we are interested in driving and therefore we put effort into that task and strive to be safe on the road. I also think there is a proportion of 'advanced drivers' who also think it is acceptable to speed, in the false belief that there knowledge of advanced driving techniques and car control will excuse them from complying with safe and legal driving.
Personally, and I'm sure many of you feel it too, is the difficulty to exercise restraint and stay calm about other drivers road attitude. I often find myself doing a Victor Meldrew, "I don't believe it"! And find my grip on the wheel has immensely tightened at my frustration about other peoples actions. I find it difficult to take the 'smile and ignore' attitude that many preach is the most sensible course of action. I am trying, however. In all seriousness though what can actually be done? Campaigning for reduced speed limits? Educating young drivers? Educating older drivers? Tougher penalties for offenders? Increased Policing? More speed humps? Or maybe all of those things and more besides. I thought I would offload a few of my examples of things that get my goat. Maybe others can share their thoughts too.
1. Undertaking. I think I am undertaken about as many times if not more that I am overtaken. Is this acceptable practice now? I'm sure they'd go over the top if they could. (remember KITT)
2. I live on an estate littered with speed 'humps' and a 20 limit. Which only serve to put more wear and tear on my car. They don't work. They simply cause people to go 'hell for leather' between each bump in the frustration another one is coming up.
3. At the end of my road is a 30 road, fairly busy and a thoroughfare into town from the A1 trunk. I think I might have seen 2 vehicles keeping to the speed limit last week, and they were being drawn by horses. Most travel at about 40+ and many at 50+. No cameras, only a flashing red 30 sensor sign, no one pays attention to. Why have them? And no Police activity, or if there is it was a Thursday afternoon in September 1969. I'm sure we all have roads like that near us. Tell me the answer.
4. In my town, major speed offenders are local 'fast food' delivery vans, taxis and the local buses. Again, the above mentioned road is the route back to the bus depot, and at end of shift there must be a road race to see who can clock off first. And since when did taxis become 'emergency vehicles'. They seem to think they can ignore many of the rules of the road, particularly the speed limit. I don't ever use them, but I don't imagine people jump in a taxi and say "get me to town as fast as you can, mate".
5. McDonalds. Just simply keep off the road altogether if you live near one between the hours of 7pm and midnight. Here's one from last week. Boy in Vauxhall Corsa leaving Mcdonalds 'speed-thru' heading into town. Right hand contained fone as he texted, and left hand eating a Mcfluffy (is that what it's called). What was he using to steer. A friend of mind informed me that they use their knees to steer. And I seriously didn't know they did that. I wouldn't have even considered trying to steer with my knees or with anything below the waist.
6. These interesting rebukes used by drivers is becoming increasingly common. When one has tailgated you and tried to offload their engine into your boot. They finally take an opportunity to overtake. This is usually on a bend after a long clear straight, or where there is someone sitting in a RH junction. They then flash their hazard lights as a rebuke that you have held them up. Is this becoming more and more common. Or if you are in lane 2 or 3 and someone is wanting to speed through at 123mph and you are holding them up, is the two finger approach as they are forced to undertake, but they appear to look back at you for what seems to be forever. And cars full of 'party girls'. I've never thought so many fingers could be stuck up all at once in one car.
Stop the world, I want to get off ......