Quote:
Originally Posted by Morecambe Ex Pat
I was taught observation and anticipation
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Good start...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Morecambe Ex Pat
...that is not passive driving that is defensive driving.
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I think we might be talking at cross-purposes here. I have no problem with allowing other drivers out of parking spaces or side roads if I'm in slow moving traffic. I've no problem with anticipating someone else's need to (say) change lanes and adjust my speed accordingly (either speed up so they can slot in behind me or slow down if it's not going to compromise my two second gap or generate a risk from the car behind me). I only really slow down to give up my right of way for lorries and school buses, though. Lorries because their need to maintain momentum is far more than mine, and school buses because it doesn't matter how evil you were in a former life, there's nothing that justifies being subjected to schoolkids on a bus.
I don't even have a problem with people who make a genuine mistake. It happens - and to me as well.
The specific instance I was talking about was the bully-behind-the-wheel. yanking his car out of his parking space on the wrong side of the road. I resolutely defend my right of way against people who seem to think the rules of the road only apply to
other drivers and are there just so they can blast through in any lane at any speed and the other guy is always going to get out of the way.
Yes, you have to drive in such a way that you can stop if (say) a child runs out from between parked cars, but if
nobody does anything they are just eventually going to end up as a red stain on somebody's bumper. So, you pip your horn or give them an earful. Much of the time it might help to educate them, some the time you'll just get an obscene sign back. If you don't do it because of the latter group, who unfortunately are no longer a minority, you're being bullied.
Same with the bully driver, although he's safely encased in a metal box, they still have the potential to cause damage to themselves and others. You can do the road rage thing and get out of your car, or you can make their manoeuvre pointless. Which is best? I know your answer already. Someone forces you to brake just so they can get out, you just wave them on. It's not helping.