Driving Standards

[Kenneve]

Hi Guys

This may not be the correct part of the forum for this rant, but here goes.

Having just returned from a particularly stressful, cross country trip, I feel the need to put pen to paper (well finger to keyboard really) regarding the poor standards of driving witnessed.

1. Why do drivers insist on keeping their foot on the footbrake, when stationary at traffic lights etc. The resulting sea of brake lights, is most tiring to the eyes, particularly at night and in poor visibility.
When I was taught to drive over 60 years ago, I was instructed to engage neutral and apply the handbrake, if I was going to be stopped, for more that a few seconds. So, is it poor tuition or just plain laziness on the part of the driver?

This situation seems to be compounded by the introduction of the stop/start engine management system, where as i understand it, the footbrake must be on, to keep the engine stopped.

Perhaps our driving instructor member would like to comment on this, as to whether the use of the handbrake is properly taught nowadays. Observation of driving school cars in my area, suggest possibly not.

A Merry Christmas to all our members.

[trebor1652]

Totally agree about brake lights, I was also taught to use the hand brake, but I think it is part of today's society who are self centered and have no thought for others.

Sent from my XT1039 using Tapatalk

[harry22673]

When I passed last year I was told use the handbrake less but use the clutch to make the car stay in place
I go with handbrake regardless as I don't want to be bouncing the car back and forth trying to find the point when the car sits still
And besides I always thought it was illegal to sit on the brake

[John Ratsey]

I am one of those offenders who keeps the foot on the brake pedal in the hope that the auto idle stop will work and I don't pollute the atmosphere while going nowhere. Given all the technology in the car there should be a sensor to check if there's a car close behind and stationery and, if there is, dim the brake lights. If there is no car close behind then the lights stay bright as a warning to anying approaching. That should be simple for the car manufacturers to implement.

One of my current grumbles about driving standards is the decreasing use of indicators, particular when turning left. I see this problem frequently as a pedestrian trying to figure out when it is safe to cross a road.

[guest5669]

I am one of those offenders who keeps the foot on the brake pedal in the hope that the auto idle stop will work and I don't pollute the atmosphere while going nowhere. Given all the technology in the car there should be a sensor to check if there's a car close behind and stationery and, if there is, dim the brake lights. If there is no car close behind then the lights stay bright as a warning to anying approaching. That should be simple for the car manufacturers to implement.

One of my current grumbles about driving standards is the decreasing use of indicators, particular when turning left. I see this problem frequently as a pedestrian trying to figure out when it is safe to cross a road.

Sounds like a cop out ^^ not to use your handbrake  .

I was driving up the M6 over the weekend on 3 occasions I had people flashing me & tailgating to get out of the way  because I was driving a Jazz. People just think they can bully you around on Motorways I had my 4yr old son sleeping in the back, putting our lives at risk all because they wanted to get in front.

[madasafish]

Buy reactolite glasses.

[guest3042]

Steve2011 is right about Jazz drivers being intimidated by impatient motorists. I see it all the time. Many motorists assume the Jazz in front is being driven by an old slowcoach or 'Sunday driver' and they can't wait to get past.
The Jazz, thanks to some extent to Jeremy Clarkson and his Top Gear cronies who love to denigrate Jazz owners, is associated with the older generation.
Maybe the Mk111 will help to dispel that notion, but I doubt it.
As with the Skoda, which is now a much respected brand, mud sticks.

[guest5355]

 I agree that the standard of driving has deteriorated over the years. I am a retired Private Personal (a Family) driver and I'm an Advanced motorist, but at times I feel like it's open season on senior citizens, especially now that we have a Jazz.
 The thing that gets my back up more than anything else is being tailgated, sometimes a high speed, I was using the A130 and the A12, in the Chelmsford area yesterday and I just wish that I could put a illuminated sign on the boot saying, Please Go Away, spelt with 3 F's, this would be operated with a push button on the dash and stay on for a few seconds
 OK, I was a bit of a show off (ie MAD) many years ago but I lost a dear friend when we were just in our twenties, He was training to be a Police Officer and I still have him in my mind. ( R.I.P.  Bugsy)
 I 100% disagree with the new way of dealing with errant drivers, they now have a choice  (for minor offences) of going to a awareness course instead of Points on their licence. Points means dearer Insurance, that's they way it should be.
  I make no excuses for being long winded in this post.

[guest5079]

Sorry but I make no apologies for once again moaning about modern day drivers. Yes I appreciate it was a while back but I had seven weeks of driver training as a plod. NOBODY was allowed near a police car until they had a police driving permit. We were taught using Roadcraft. My permit was NOT for Traffic Cars as to attain that was another three months. I was up to snuff for Traffic  motor cycles but as a wanted to be a village bobby not interested.  I still try to drive as I was taught. Not the modern day plod ( left hand bend   a Skoda police car coming opposite way, cut corner over the line into my path. Was it on a shout NO just too idle to turn the steering wheel.)
Yesterday, joined a roundabout which had two lanes, a lorry was approaching from my left ( give way to traffic from your right) I kept in the outside lane. Said lorry did not reduce speed BUT I found myself on the grit by the barrier as the lorry needed a lot of room. He crossed into the outside lane and some. Obviously too fast for roundabout and I was the victim. What did I get a blast on his wind tones.
Today, coming back from my favourite shop when a Jaguar coming the opposite way flashed me. My sin, he was important I was an old fart driving a Jazz, so get out of the way. I know Honda's paint is thin but I could not have got any further over to the left.
Then we had that doyen of the highway, the tractor and over large trailer, second gear on the flappy paddles and  off we went on an overtake. What did we then get? his mate BUT all the posh fast cars just sat there like lemons too scared to move. Old men in a Jazz damn sight better drivers than your actual JAWG!!! etc. Oh boy he's off.

[madasafish]

I treat tailgaters as they deserve. Stick rigidly to speed limits and accelerate slowly.

A far as roundabouts and other dangers, I treat other drivers as if they are homicidal maniacs. And give a wide bearth.. and signal well in advance.. At this time of year, teher are always a few drunks/druggies driving.

[harry22673]

I think the way to stop the tailgater's is to get red mud flaps
I don't seem to have this issue probably as they think I'm going to do something almost as crazy as have red mudflaps

[guest3208]

Hi there, I am an ADI (driving instructor), and in reply to the OP, yes I teach my pupils to use the handbrake when a stop goes from a pause to a wait.
Other ADIs may differ but I'm old school.

[Hobo]

Hi there, I am an ADI (driving instructor), and in reply to the OP, yes I teach my pupils to use the handbrake when a stop goes from a pause to a wait.
Other ADIs may differ but I'm old school.

As an Ex ADI I also always taught my pupils to use the handbrake if stationary for anything other than a very short pause, I would never have instructed anyone to hold the car stationary using clutch control, apart from the risk of rolling if not under full control especially on any slope there would be the unnecessary and premature wear on the clutch, new brake pads are a lot cheaper than a new clutch.

[guest5079]

Just an addendum to my RANT. On my plod driving course for my final test drive, I thought that as the junction to a dual carriageway was only a very slight uphill incline, I would balance the car on throttle/clutch. WRONG, the car moved back that mythical f**ts width. Did the examiner notice YES he did. I was docked two points for that transgression.
I still use the handbrake whenever situations require and more especially as the throttle balancing act is a no no with the I shift.
As to tail gaiters I often wonder if they do it in case they get lost!!!!!!

[Kenneve]

Hi Guys

It seems that I started something with this Rant, obviously many members think as I do .
I could go on about, Lane discipline, particularly driving for miles in the outside lane, when the inside lanes are clear.
Driving too slow on major 'A' roads, eg 30-35 mph in a 50 mph limit, resulting in great tailbacks and thus being the cause of a possible accident.

Nevertheless, I'm pleased to hear that some ADI's, still teach the correct use of the handbrake, certainly holding the car on the clutch is surefire way to prematurely wear it out!
Not convinced that the stop/start system, saves money in the long run.

And, to those who object to tailgaters, follow my example, get yourself a Hi-Vis jacket and leave it on the rear parcel shelf, it works wonders!!

Best regards.