I've just been reading some other posts, as well as referencing some feedback from my post about 'Speed'. And I think it would be a worthwhile debate to discuss how people react to others on the road who are Speeding, Driving Erratically or Carelessly, Distracted Drivers, and Drivers who for whatever reason cause us to be irritated.
Technomad wrote:vieuxtigre wrote:There are good points there, but I'd be hesitant about invoking John Lyon: When I did my half-day HPC intro with him in about '92, he firstly gave me some very good pointers that helped my driving hugely and, secondly, was utterly psychotic about other road users, to the point where he very nearly ended up walking thirty miles home - he was particularly arsey about cyclists, expressing the belief that, whenever a car came up behind them on a narrow road, they should immediately pull in, stop and let the motor vehicle past. Not a good advert for progressive driving. Put me off the HPC for years, that did.
I do, alongside many others get frustrated with other road users, normally drivers. I don't find that same frustration with pedestrians or cyclists, even if they can be erratic or unpredictable in their movements. However, I have learned over time not to hold on to that frustration and to let it go and try to smile or laugh it away. That can be so difficult particularly if someone has put you in danger or a road accident has narrowly been avoided. After all, what can we can do? We could report the incident. You could pull over and call the Police, or you may have running video that captures an incident, which you could present to the Police. But, in practice how many of us actually report things to the Police in our lifetimes. And specifically in relation to motoring. I think we all are guilty at one time or other of failing to report crimes we witness. If we were driving down the road and saw two men smashing a window and clearly breaking into someone’s home would we pull over and call the Police? I think many (but not all) of us would. Conversely, if we see someone overtaking dangerously, someone drives erratically or someone using their phone while not wearing their seatbelt, would we pull over and ring the Police with their registration number? No, maybe a very small minority would.
Extracting some comments from another post of mine. I was getting a message from some people that if I become frustrated with other peoples actions I should ignore it and let them pass, helping them on their way and not get involved in what other people do, and to get my own house in order first. Even though I believe it is important to try not to harbour frustration which can affect our own capability and safety on the road, and to try and see an incident as a learning experience rather than an 'angry' experience. However, that doesn't mean we should just let everything pass us by. I think we (as a community/society) are just simply becoming so individualistic. We are not caring what others do as long as it doesn't impact on us. And on the road this is particularly evident. People drive round in their own little worlds, many without any consideration for the road or others around them. The only aim being to get to their destination. That's never my aim of driving. Personally I try to be courteous to road users. This means I often let people out of junctions in town, if safe of course, or let people cross my path etc., also affording the same courteousness to pedestrians and cyclists. I tend to automatically lift my hand to wave. However, I find hardly anyone returns the gesture even though it is me that is affording them that courtesy. Why is this? Are we just becoming more and more unfriendly on the road?
I just wonder what other people think. I do make every attempt to keep within the law on the road and I have reported motorists, but not many times. I too am guilty for seeing things happen which I don't do anything about. But can you imagine reporting people for using their phone and not wearing their seatbelt. I know where I live many local builders/joiners/painters etc that drive round town in their work vans are on the phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
As a cyclist I find I am less tolerant of motorists. And I have reported many people. I have been knocked off, hit twice and had many 'close shaves' as well as encountering many aggressive drivers who just simply don't think cyclists should share the road. There are some interesting YouTube videos about driver/cyclist confrontation.
I know some people will come back with their opinion that why care about what other's do. A paedophile in our community seems to evoke a different reaction to a dangerous motorist. When I took my driving lessons my ADI drilled into me, when you get in that car you are going out with a 'killing machine', think of it like walking round with a 'loaded gun'. And that is exactly what it is. 20mph and we can kill someone. People don't realise that. For example the road at the end of my street. A fairly busy 30mph road, where the majority travel at 40+. And faster often in the other direction (which comes off the A1 dual carriageway). Many coming down from 70 to 30 seem to take a couple of mile to do it. There is a bend in the road near to a school. The road can often be wet as water can lie, and there are no railings between pavement and road. There are no crossings, only 2 islands. And the school crossing patrol has not been replaced due to cutbacks. A high potential for an incident. I even feel anxious walking down the road and certainly won't cycle. A flashing 30 sign has been installed, which serves no useful purpose. Why the hell don't people slow down? I slow down and keep near the crown of the road when passing kids, and watch! Someone driving at 40, using their phone and braking on the bend ...... well?
Why can't we all share the road in harmony, and why can't we strive to be courteous and pleasant to other road users. I know it is impossible to keep everyone within the law and to ensure everyone drives safely but we can work towards that goal. What a much more pleasant experience driving would be.
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