by Mulski » Sat Jul 27, 2013 12:37 am
Curious on folks thoughts
Currently undergoing training for my ROSPA advanced test, which apparently now includes the criteria that any overtaking must be completed within the posted speed limit. So for example, when overtaking another vehicle on a NSL posted road, the maximum speed you can be travelling at during the manoeuvre is 60 MPH.
The Police Riders handbook states (Pg 133), "Overtake if the situation is clear, adjusting your speed if necessary. While you are in the offside position you are in a zone of potential danger so move throught it as briskly as possible".
Further, under the 'Acceleration' section it goes on to say under acceleration that, "Adjust your speed to complete the overtaking manoeuvre safely,and to enter the gap you have identified. Where possible, use acceleration sense to adjust your speed, but use the brakes if necessary"
My interpretation of this implies that you should use an appropriately brisk pace, which enables you to complete the overtake safely. I would contend that overtaking another vehicle who is for example doing 50mph in a NSL at a maximum of 60mph, increases your risk factor by a considerable margin, due to the need to check your speed whilst completing the manoeuvre, therefore taking your eyes off the road for evolving hazards ahead. Additionally, the reference to using your brakes if necessary infers that the passing speed would have been significant enough that a throttle roll off would not be sufficient, indicating a higher speed than the posted regulation.
Additionally, the HWC (#163) states, "overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should:
- move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in"
I am trying to understand the basis for ROSPA's and IAM decision to penalise riders who exceed the speed limit when overtaking, as per their assessment criteria covering the test. Obviously, I am not advocating ridiculous speeds, but what would be considered appropriate to the conditions and circumstances to minimise the time the rider is exposed to new evolving hazards whilst overtaking.
Look forward to others comments.
Cheers