Are you the perfect driver?

Savman

We all complain about lunatics on Irish roads, just wondering if everyone here considers themselves perfect drivers or crazy hypocrites.

Do you:
-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
-keep left unless overtaking?
-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
-yield to pedestrians?
-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
-always drive under the speed limit?
-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time/maintain good road positioning?
-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?

These are the ground rules I set myself every day in Dublin city driving environment but my No. 1 Rule Of The Road is: Try not to hit anything :rolleyes:

Just curious who will admit to bad or stoopid habits on the road and have you ever thought to yourself that YOU could be what others describe as a lunatic driver?

Supercell

The options are a bit closed..
Also point one is open to debate it seems.

scuba steve

noone is a perfect driver really are they? everyone must do something wrong now and then

Alun

I obey all of those, except for exceeding the speed limit occasionally, but I don't drive my car in a straight line all the time. Sometimes I use that big round black thing in front of me to make it go round corners. I find it helps me avoid crashing into other road users.

colm_mcm

sometimes can be a pain in the arse if someone stops on an amber light suddenly, is this good driving now?

seamus

Savman wrote:

-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?

If someone would benefit from my indicating. If there's no-one around, who cares?

-keep left unless overtaking?

I'd say 95% of the time. That's not to say I hold anyone up in the overtaking lane the other 5% of the time

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?

Only if my overtaking would require me to cross the white line and/or put myself close to oncoming traffic.

-yield to pedestrians?

Depends on circumstances. In town, I make a judgement call. Elsewhere, I'll yield where required.

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?

If conditions allow.

-always drive under the speed limit?

*ahem*

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?

In the car, pretty much. On the bike, generally not.

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?

In the car, yes, on the bike...*ahem*

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?

/hand up. Guilty, quite often, though I'm quick to catch myself

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?

No....Biking has given me a habit of, em, making room for myself to merge. Joining a normal road from a side street or something though, I'm overly paranoid.

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?

Yes, actually. Leaves you with so much less grief to deal with.

have you ever thought to yourself that YOU could be what others describe as a lunatic driver?

Often. I give out to myself at least once per trip. Can't be perfect, you can only attempt.

leeroybrown

I would say neither and as such am not voting. I think there are very few if no people you can sider themselves a perfect driver. I do the vast majority of the things you list the vast majority of the time. Occasionally there are situations where I mightn't but that happens to most people who spend much time on the road. Occasionally I do things (orvetaking) that would increase the risk of an accident were something unusual/unpredictable to occur.

I've always managed to compy with your number one rule and I've been lucky enough that no one has broken it with me involved.

An occasional driver who has had me approach them from behind and swiftly overtake on reasonably narrow roads might consider my driving a bit risque.

Savman

Longfield wrote:

The options are a bit closed..
Also point one is open to debate it seems.

Well I'm talking in general terms, c'mon now I think ye know wot I'm on about

Savman

Alun wrote:

I don't drive my car in a straight line all the time. Sometimes I use that big round black thing in front of me to make it go round corners. I find it helps me avoid crashing into other road users.

:rolleyes: again, you know what I mean. Many drivers have a habit of drifting...

Savman

leeroybrown wrote:

I would say neither and as such am not voting. I think there are very few if no people you can sider themselves a perfect driver. I do the vast majority of the things you list the vast majority of the time.

So why would you choose not to vote? Wouldn't that make you a "Yes" candidate? It's not about being the perfect driver (impossible), moreso trying to be the perfect driver with each day driving, no matter how many years you've been on the road...

BrianD3

That list is just basic stuff really. Someone striving to be a perfect driver would have to do that and a lot more on top of it.

From the list I do most of the things all of the time. There are two things off the list that I don't do all the time. Firstly I often exceed the speed limit but only momentarily and when overtaking. Secondly, I often don't yield to jaywalking pedestrians and tend to let them wait. But if they decide to walk straight out in front of me then obviously I will yield to them.

Rabies

-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
Ya

-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
Ya

-keep left unless overtaking?
Ya

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
Mostly

-yield to pedestrians?
Depends on my mood

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
If just turned amber and near them. No, would prob be the answer.

-always drive under the speed limit?
Usually drive about 5mph over the limit

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?
Pretty much. Unless I'm tired, different story then.

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
Ya

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
Keep a reasonable distance.

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
Depends if I'm in a rush or not.

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
Ya

-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?
Ya

69 mustang

I think a 3rd option needed to exclude the braking the speed limit bit.:D

SouperComputer

-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?

yup

-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?

yup, if theres traffic about!

-keep left unless overtaking?

Generally, depends on the conditions

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?

not unless I have to cross over onto the other side of the road.

-yield to pedestrians?

mostly, all but the cheeky chancers.

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?

Depends on the situaton, but not always, no.

-always drive under the speed limit?

Sometimes under, sometimes over depending on conditions

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?

depends on your tolerance really +- 1mm, probably not!

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?

Avoid, yes. But I am selective about when I avoid them.

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?

Im an anticipation Nazi!

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?

yes

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?

what other lanes would one use?

-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?

depends on the roadmarkings.


Am I perfect? No.
Judging from that criteria is anyone? Possibly.
Does that make them safe? Not necessarily.

mike65

Yes to everything* except bus lanes as we down here in the sticks dont have any yet!

Mike.

*okay I dont use indicators when on roundabouts if its quiet!

Seth Brundle

Savman wrote:

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?

Wouldn't you crash at a bend if you kept going straight?

ds20prefecture

-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
99% of the time.

-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
Yes.

-keep left unless overtaking?
Absolutely.

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
God no. Unless it's a very fat cyclist and I need to cross the white line.

-yield to pedestrians?
Always. Especially the suicidal ones.

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
If it doesn't mean jamming on the brakes, maybe.

-always drive under the speed limit?
At the speed limit, never under. On motorways about 5 or 10mph above.

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?
No, there are corners on the roads here. Are you in the US?

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
Yes

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
Big time

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
Yes, and at a speed safe to do so. Nothing is more unsafe than joining a motorway at 40mph. Apart from running with a scissors.

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
Yes.

-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?
Yes

I am far from a perfect driver. So far I haven't hit anyone or anything, and I've avoided being hit. If I can keep that record, I'll be happy.

Savman

Can we get over that "driving in a straight line" thing now please?:rolleyes: Obviously I don't mean turning corners and bends I'm talking about maintaining good vehicle positioning on the road without drifting all over the place like an ice skater.

I appreciate the honesty but in fairness some of the answers are quite worrying :eek:


For example, if your traffic signal turns amber and you're driving too fast to stop, chances are you're going too fast, period. I specifically remember:
Red = STOP
Amber = STOP
Green = Proceed only if it is safe to do so

Also I do believe we're supposed to indicate when overtaking anything, fat or skinny cyclists for that matter (I'm not talking about cases where the cyclist is in a bus/cycle lane and you do not need to veer your vehicle around them).

The roundabout situation I'm on about is the goofy driver who wants to take the 3rd exit but insists on using the left lane of traffic (where there is 2 lanes of with-flow traffic obviously)

I think its fair to speculate that we're all guilty of contributing to the "lunatic driver" problem....

SouperComputer

For example, if your traffic signal turns amber and you're driving too fast to stop, chances are you're going too fast, period

That depends on your distance from the lights when they turn amber!

Also I do believe we're supposed to indicate when overtaking anything

To me that would be a misleading signal, according to the IAM anyway. You could argue that the bike is a hazard, but thats what brake lights are for.

I think its fair to speculate that we're all guilty of contributing to the "lunatic driver" problem....

I agree, but it still amazes me how many people just drive like they dont give a flying fook.

[edit] feck, I just re-read the heading of the poll. I should have voted yes as I do always "strive" to be a perfect driver, or at least a better one. [/edit]

Savman

SouperComputer wrote:

I should have voted yes as I do always "strive" to be a perfect driver, or at least a better one.

my whole point!

SouperComputer

well thats what I get for messing about on boards all day!

C_Breeze

Do you:
-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
only if i believe it would be unsafe not to indicate.

-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
yeah , i do that

-keep left unless overtaking?
im always overtaking, and if you dont move outta my way xenons&fog lights in yo face

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
only if the cyclist is a good bit away from the kerb

-yield to pedestrians?
if im moving slowly (shopping centre / housing estate) - yes

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
depends how close i am , but usually NO

-always drive under the speed limit?
Yes officer , all the time - i swear

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time/maintain good road positioning?
ofcourse

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
depends what the traffic is like in the 'real' lane

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
yes , unless they are holding up traffic

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
If i can fit in- ITs Safe, ok.

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
yeah i do that

-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?
yeah that too.

seamus

Savman wrote:

For example, if your traffic signal turns amber and you're driving too fast to stop, chances are you're going too fast, period. I specifically remember:
Red = STOP
Amber = STOP
Green = Proceed only if it is safe to do so

90% of the time, this holds fine. Amber, fyi, is "Stop, unless it it unsafe to do so". I can remember a few times on the bike where I've refused to attempt to stop when the lights went amber, for one of two reasons - road conditions or other traffic. If the road is wet (not soaking, just slightly wet), I've not stopped a couple of times, particularly if the lights are on a corner, opting to ride safely through the amber light then to attempt to brake a little heavier on a dodgy surface. I also tend to not stop if there's a vehicle right up my ass and I'd have to brake a little heavier, again it's the safer option.

Idleater

While I agree that everyone should strive to become a better driver, I think that no-one can ever become a perfect driver - ever.

Reasoning is as such:

If you were a perfect driver you are claiming that at that point in time you have absolutely nothing left to learn, ever. I think that this is an invalid claim for anyone to make. Once someone has decided that they have nothing left to learn they are either dead or need to learn that you are never finished learning...

The poll seems to be one of those that can be translated into either
(a) are you a Liar? - thinking it okay to be perfect.
or
(b) are you a Fool? - breaking the rules of the road/taking risks.


We should create a thread for the 10 point self rating fault test and see how people actually rate themselves on the road rather than in their minds...

L. (non voting fool)

el tel

I do all the all of the things savman listed. TBH only recently have I started to drive at the speed limit on motorways, doing 120 as opposed to 140, mostly in the interests of economy. Same goes for my old habit of taking off fast from lights when I'm at the front.

Before I set out in the car I tell myself something along the lines of
"Don't let today be the day you have your first crash".
It has kept me right for 12 years now.

WizZard

Bah, I answered no as to the title of the post, not the question of the poll! :mad:

Do you:
-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts? Yes, always
-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic? Yes, always
-keep left unless overtaking? Mostly
-indicate when overtaking cyclists? Yes, mostly
-yield to pedestrians? Yes, at specified areas
-STOP at an Amber traffic signal? Not always
-always drive under the speed limit? Rarely, but always at a safe speed for conditions/area
-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time/maintain good road positioning? Yes, always
-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours? Sometimes
-keep your distance from vehicles in front? Generally, unless in traffic jam
-only join traffic when it is safe to do so? Yes, always
-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout? Yes, always
-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout? Yes, always

WizZard

Savman wrote:

For example, if your traffic signal turns amber and you're driving too fast to stop, chances are you're going too fast, period. I specifically remember:
Red = STOP
Amber = STOP
Green = Proceed only if it is safe to do so

I'm open to correction but AFAIK it's:
Red = STOP
Amber = Prepare to STOP (if safe?)
Green = Proceed only if it is safe to do so

For example, if you are one car length from a signal controlled junction doing 40-50kph. If it turns amber suddenly there is no point gluing the car to the road because a) you are endangering the person in the car behind you, b) could end up stopped in the middle of the junction, and/or c) block any pedestrian crossings available.

It's the people who think that AMBER means "Accelerate" that are most dangerous in this case IMO.

Gerry

Do you:
-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
Yes, if there is traffic approaching/on the roundabout. Otherwise I don't bother.
-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
Always
-keep left unless overtaking?
Yes
-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
Most of the time, I must remember to pay more attention to cyclists
-yield to pedestrians?
Yes, if they are walking out in front of me.
-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
Only if it is safe to do so. Anyone who just mashes the brake pedal every time they see amber, no matter where they are, will end up having an accident.
-always drive under the speed limit?
No, on big, wide main roads that have gone from 100 to 80, I will keep to 100. Mostly though, this is just enough to keep up with traffic. On the motorway, I mostly drive at 120 - 130.
-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time/maintain good road positioning?
Yep, I try to anyway
-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
Yes
-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
Yes, I've seen too many accidents caused by tailgating.
-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
Yep, being at the right speed makes this much easier.
-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
Yes
-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?
Yes
[/QUOTE]

All we can do is strive to behave well on the road. I'm sure all of us have broken most of these rules. For example, this morning, I was late for my train, so I tailgated someone all the way to the train station.

Savman

WizZard wrote:

I'm open to correction but AFAIK it's:
Red = STOP
Amber = Prepare to STOP (if safe?)
Green = Proceed only if it is safe to do so

Nope that's definately incorrect, Amber = STOP (unless unsafe to do so, you're right there seamus)

I remember doing the theory test, you are expected to slow down approaching any traffic signal, especially green because you don't know when it is going to change. I'm just saying that this is a big grey area and there is legally no excuse whatsoever for flying thru an Amber light even though we all do it. The interpretation would be that you're obviously speeding if you can't stop in time, and this puts into doubt your ability to react to hazards/stop in sufficient time.

It's usually a case of "s*** it's going Amber, floor it quick" and while I'm guilty of that I'm trying to shake off the habit.

el tel I'd have to agree with you, simple positive affirmations can work wonders. I've already had a crash caused by the pure stupidity of another driver but everyday I make it my end-of-the-day goal not to crash, but some folk make it so bleedin hard :rolleyes:

prospect

Although I cannot prove it, i can guarantee that EVERY person who drives regularly has at some stage:

A. Broken a road rule,
B. been inconsiderate (deliberately or otherwise),
C. been reckless at some stage.

The two worst offenders for B & C, imo, are older people and women.
I regularly see a woman sitting in stationary traffic, leaving a two/three car length gap in front of her, and some other driver a few cars back can't make a right/left turn. But if she would take a moment to observe the 'other people' around her in her mirrors she would see that if she moved a bit she could allow the person turning the freedom to continue their journey.

***PLEASE NOTE***
I am not criticizing ALL women or older drivers. But based on my observation they are usually guilty of this un-observant and selfish driving. I am sure there are loads of very competent female and old drivers out there, many better and more careful than me.

Pigeon Reaper

-indicate when entering and exiting roundabouts?
Always

-indicate when changing lanes & wait for suitable gap in traffic?
I filter on a bike. A suitable gap for this is different to cars but once it is safe I'll move.

-keep left unless overtaking?
Depends on the situation. I tend to keep centre to discourage following cars from dangerous overtaking. i will pull to the left once it is safe to allow the overtaking.

-indicate when overtaking cyclists?
If it is of benefit to other roadusers.

-yield to pedestrians?
depends on the situation. If it's safe for me to yield then I do. I won't yield within 50m of a pedestrian crossing.

-STOP at an Amber traffic signal?
Yes unless it is unsafe to do so.

-always drive under the speed limit?
In built up areas I travel below the speed limit especially if there are children around. On the motorway I'll travel at whatever is safe for the conditions.

-drive your vehicle in a straight line all the time?
Yes. Positioning the bike is important, possibly more so than for a car.

-avoid using bus lanes during specified hours?
f given the choice between filtering or the bus lane I'll use the bus lane once I'm not slowing down any legititmate users of the lane.

-keep your distance from vehicles in front?
Yes unless I'm moving to overtake when I close the gap and move to the offside of the vehicle.

-only join traffic when it is safe to do so?
Yes, it hurts like hell when you're hit by a car/truck/bus

-only use the left lane for 1st or 2nd exit of a roundabout?
Yes.

-only use right lane for 2nd, 3rd or subsequent lane of a roundabout?
Yes


The main things missing are observation and adapting to the situation. Most drivers don't do enough observation. Checking mirrors and bindspots is not done enough. Also people don't look properly when moving out of junctions or changing lanes. I've often had to take avoiding action due to drivers pulling out infringing my right of way. Most of the time they say "sorry I didn't see you".

Second one is people don't respond to the driving situation enough. Most accidents could be avoided if people react to the driving conditions. Do you as a driver analyse the the current situation on the road as you're driving and actively take appropiate action?

I do make mistakes but each time make one I ask why. I've had a few crashes on the bike and in the car which where never my fault but could I have avoided them? At the end of the day if you're dead or in constant pain it doesn't matter who was right.