What Speed Do You Drive At

[Mord]

Being tailgated is always a good moment to slow down a bit and use your screen wash as well

[Wh1teLeopard]

Being tailgated is always a good moment to slow down a bit and use your screen wash as well

Agreed, never knew how much that irritated tailgaters until I did it by accident once.

[Cyker]

Oooh, that reminds me, I need to fix mine... one of the jets keeps climbing and is now so high that it misses the windscreen completely and hits the sunroof!!

[mrpj]

"Being tailgated is always a good moment to slow down a bit and use your screen wash as well "

Or test your handbrake :o . No, I don't do this or advocate it's practise!

[harrypotter:)]

"Being tailgated is always a good moment to slow down a bit and use your screen wash as well "

Or test your handbrake :o . No, I don't do this or advocate it's practise!

[harrypotter:)]

Yes i agree this is a good way to get them to back off i just drift down to 40 from 55 they get the hint then that 55 in a 60 is a dam sight better than 40!!!!! it always works subject to several full beam flashes from the bugger behind (they end up 4-5car lengths behind)

[Jan&tone]

Yes i agree this is a good way to get them to back off i just drift down to 40 from 55 they get the hint then that 55 in a 60 is a dam sight better than 40!!!!! it always works subject to several full beam flashes from the bugger behind (they end up 4-5car lengths behind)

a brilliant advantage of the Prius is the rear spoiler and the high boot... during the day, if someone flashes you, you can't see it!!!! the spoiler and boot is in the way

[harrypotter:)]

Yes i agree this is a good way to get them to back off i just drift down to 40 from 55 they get the hint then that 55 in a 60 is a dam sight better than 40!!!!! it always works subject to several full beam flashes from the bugger behind (they end up 4-5car lengths behind)

a brilliant advantage of the Prius is the rear spoiler and the high boot... during the day, if someone flashes you, you can't see it!!!! the spoiler and boot is in the way

[harrypotter:)]

I find with the aygo at night i have to tilt the rear view mirror totally out if vision and use only side mirrors as i drive home in dark, find to much distraction but i do miss not having lecki side mirrors used to dump them down when being tale gated aswell

[Wh1teLeopard]

We noticed the tinted rear window on our Aygo is pretty good at dimming headlights. I haven't had to adjust the rear view mirror at all.

Yes i agree this is a good way to get them to back off i just drift down to 40 from 55 they get the hint then that 55 in a 60 is a dam sight better than 40!!!!! it always works subject to several full beam flashes from the bugger behind (they end up 4-5car lengths behind)

a brilliant advantage of the Prius is the rear spoiler and the high boot... during the day, if someone flashes you, you can't see it!!!! the spoiler and boot is in the way

Our Accord Type R was the same, big spoiler was only about 1cm thick, but was just in the right place to obscure the headlights.

My Honda Beat however, being so low, means that EVERYONES headlights are blinding

[AYGOgummy]

I find with the aygo at night i have to tilt the rear view mirror totally out if vision and use only side mirrors as i drive home in dark, find to much distraction but i do miss not having lecki side mirrors used to dump them down when being tale gated aswell

Why don't you just dim it?! There's a massive blind spot if you ignore it completely, especially if you tilt it so that you can't see into it!!

[mbellinger]

There are a number of huge generalisations going on here.

Firstly, the current motorway speed limit was introduced in 1966. At that time most family saloons had a maximum speed around 80mph so 70 was a decent cruise. That is no longer tha case today and an average family saloon (Astra, Golf, etc) even in non sporty form will easily do 115-120 mph max speed with a comfortable all day long cruise at 100ish.

The difference is that traffic levels are out of all proportion to those genteel 60's days and nowadays, other than in the dead of night, just about every UK motorway is operating at well above its originally intended traffic capacity. As others have mentioned, especially in recent years, fuel costs have accelerated out of all proportion, encouraging people to save on fuel when possible.

It is true that there are circumstances where driving too slow on a motorway is actually much more hazardous than driving too fast. The slow driver doing 50-55mph causes HGV's to continually swing out to pass him or her thus congesting Lane 2 for long periods. This is VERY dangerous, especially in peak times. In addition, because British drivers have zero lane discipline, a high number of these slower drivers actually drive at their slower pace virtually continuously in the middle lane. People who do this should receive an instant driving ban in my view, as other than driving the wrong way along a motorway, there is no single more dangerous practice.

However, to say that people should always maintain at least 70 mph is also wrong. It is perfectly acceptable to drive more slowly on a motorway, provided that you don't drive TOO slowly; and that you maintain correct lane discipline. Thus, to drive at 60-65mph (thus keeping ahead of HGV's) is absolutely reasonable and will have a useful positive effect of fuel consumption, noise levels and driver stress and tiredness. In real terms, after running numerous experiments myself on different journeys, it actually makes very little difference to arrival time either.

Where the picture changes in on the continent. There the motorways do not suffer the congestion that ours in the UK do, and they were designed for higher speeds in the first place. It is genuinely possible to make some useful savings on journey times by maintaining a high average speed; and again I have established actual examples of this by experimentation and data collection. However, this is not the case on our busy island unless you are travelling between 1 and 5 in the morning.

The other important thing to add is that all of the above goes out of the window if conditions are wet/foggy/icy/very windy/delete as appropriate. There are conditions where doing even 50 mph is too fast, and you should tailor your driving speed and style to the conditions.

[Wh1teLeopard]

The slow driver doing 50-55mph causes HGV's to continually swing out to pass him or her thus congesting Lane 2 for long periods. This is VERY dangerous, especially in peak times.

Couldn't agree more! I drive up 'suicide alley' as it's known locally, the A38 between Weeford and Derby to everyone else lol It's a dual carriageway and I frequently see lorries nose diving as they have to brake hard to avoid hitting someone doing as low as 40mph. I too think it's unreasonable to demand every person keeps to 70mph on national speed limit roads, I found myself getting like that when I was commuting to work, I got so worked up before even getting into work it ruined my whole day. Now I just get places when I get there, if I'm late, I'm late, but I'm a lot calmer on the roads. I don't bother with other drivers as long as they don't hit me.

A lot can be said against faster drivers but I've noticed an increasing number of older drivers who are just down right dangerous! I don't mean those going slow in their own lane, I mean more of the ones who are going 5mph in all 3 lanes! They worry me more.

[benwiddowson]

The slow driver doing 50-55mph causes HGV's to continually swing out to pass him or her thus congesting Lane 2 for long periods. This is VERY dangerous, especially in peak times.

Couldn't agree more! I drive up 'suicide alley' as it's known locally, the A38 between Weeford and Derby to everyone else lol It's a dual carriageway and I

Keep your eye out next week for another Go. I drive on the A38 a fair bit between the A50 and the hospital.

[another_pleb]

a brilliant advantage of the Prius is the rear spoiler and the high boot... during the day, if someone flashes you, you can't see it!!!! the spoiler and boot is in the way

I don't mean to be rude but you sound downright dangerous and irresponsible. If someone flashes you, they are attempting to warn you of something (usually something dangerous).

If ever I get tailgated, I simply move over and let the other person past or else speed up a bit to get to a place where I can safely move over.

It's not up to you to attempt to engineer or educate other peoples' driving habits. Get out of their way and get on with your life. You'll end up right behind them at the next traffic-jam anyway.

[Jan&tone]

I don't mean to be rude but you sound downright dangerous and irresponsible. If someone flashes you, they are attempting to warn you of something (usually something dangerous).

Invariably if I get flashed (which is rare) it's someone driving a 'posh' car (BMW, Audi, Range Rover) who are obviously taking some sort of pill that gives them immunity to speed limits. When that happens, which again I say is rare, I do move over - usually very quickly, they obviously have more important things to do than sit in a traffic jam (albeit one that is moving at 70 mph) and therefore as a mere member of the proletariat it is my duty to get out of their way....

If ever I get tailgated, I simply move over and let the other person past or else speed up a bit to get to a place where I can safely move over.

Fine, if you want to speed up - above the speed limit - and get a ticket, that's your affair not mine! I won't be paying it or collecting the points.

It's not up to you to attempt to engineer or educate other peoples' driving habits. Get out of their way and get on with your life. You'll end up right behind them at the next traffic-jam anyway.

Actually as a senior observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists it IS my job to engineer and educate other peoples driving habits which is something I take very, very seriously.

If you read all of the posts in this thread and others that I have posted in, you will realise that the comment I made was flippant and in no way meant seriously.

[Jan&tone]

Post removed by Jan&Tone as posted twice in error

Edited January 27, 2011 by Jan&tone

[AYGOgummy]

a brilliant advantage of the Prius is the rear spoiler and the high boot... during the day, if someone flashes you, you can't see it!!!! the spoiler and boot is in the way

I don't mean to be rude but you sound downright dangerous and irresponsible. If someone flashes you, they are attempting to warn you of something (usually something dangerous).

If ever I get tailgated, I simply move over and let the other person past or else speed up a bit to get to a place where I can safely move over.

It's not up to you to attempt to engineer or educate other peoples' driving habits. Get out of their way and get on with your life. You'll end up right behind them at the next traffic-jam anyway.

How naive. It is very rare to be flashed by someone who's warning you of something. It's normally, as Jan&tone said, the idiot who wants you to move out of the way. People normally flash to warn of a hazard when travelling in the opposite direction, or use hazard lights.

I would probably do the same as you though, when it comes to tailgating. Sometimes it is unsafe to move over, and the impatient attitude of some drivers means you have to speed up slightly, in order to move over safely without obstructing anyone else's path. Not necessarily over the speed limit, though.

And with regards to the last comment, it's unfair to talk down to people when you're unaware of their occupation and experiences. Jan&tone has highlighted their occupation in the previous post, and your tone comes across as being quite threatening to be honest. All we're doing is sharing opinions, experiences and tips. If sharing knowledge didn't happen, then this forum (and others like it) wouldn't exist.

[another_pleb]

How naive. It is very rare to be flashed by someone who's warning you of something. It's normally, as Jan&tone said, the idiot who wants you to move out of the way. People normally flash to warn of a hazard when travelling in the opposite direction, or use hazard lights.

I would probably do the same as you though, when it comes to tailgating. Sometimes it is unsafe to move over, and the impatient attitude of some drivers means you have to speed up slightly, in order to move over safely without obstructing anyone else's path. Not necessarily over the speed limit, though.

And with regards to the last comment, it's unfair to talk down to people when you're unaware of their occupation and experiences. Jan&tone has highlighted their occupation in the previous post, and your tone comes across as being quite threatening to be honest. All we're doing is sharing opinions, experiences and tips. If sharing knowledge didn't happen, then this forum (and others like it) wouldn't exist.

I don't think it's naive to think that the person behind flashing his lights at you is warning you of something. Usually it's that they're an impatient berk and you're in their way and if you don't get out of the way then they're going to do something dangerous (like a risky overtaking maneuver).

One of my pet peeves is self appointed "road captains" who go around holding people up. Doggedly sticking to a set speed, slowing down with no warning by braking with your handbrake or by changing down a gear and not moving over to the far left hand side of the lane is only ever likely to annoy the person behind and make them do something stupid. The sales-rep in the BMW flashing his lights isn't looking for driving lessons, and it's not my place to give him any.

I find the best way of doing things is to make good progress and if you come up behind a slower vehicle, hang back a bit and enjoy the ride before overtaking when it's safe. If someone comes up behind me looking to overtake, I do as the highway code says and "proceed with caution" until I can get out of their way.

I'm sorry if I appeared "threatening", (though I would question your use of the word) but I would rather remark that someone seems in my own opinion to be dangerous and irresponsible than to have the death of another driver on my conscience due to them making a failed attempt at overtaking me following my attempts to "alter" their behaviour.

I try and drive to the prevailing conditions and that includes making allowances for the driving skills (or lack thereof) of other motorists.

[Jan&tone]

I don't think it's naive to think that the person behind flashing his lights at you is warning you of something. Usually it's that they're an impatient berk and you're in their way and if you don't get out of the way then they're going to do something dangerous (like a risky overtaking maneuver).

That is for them to plan and do, not for you to worry about.

One of my pet peeves is self appointed "road captains" who go around holding people up. Doggedly sticking to a set speed, slowing down with no warning by braking with your handbrake or by changing down a gear and not moving over to the far left hand side of the lane is only ever likely to annoy the person behind and make them do something stupid. The sales-rep in the BMW flashing his lights isn't looking for driving lessons, and it's not my place to give him any.

Agreed - however just because big boy in his flashy bmw7 series wants to travel in excess of the speed limit that doesn't mean that I have to move over immediately! I will have seen him in my rearview mirrors and I will move over as soon as it is safe to do so and safe in the knowledge that eventually he WILL get done for speeding and when he does get done and is given the option to take special lessons then I will be happy to see him then.

I find the best way of doing things is to make good progress and if you come up behind a slower vehicle, hang back a bit and enjoy the ride before overtaking when it's safe. If someone comes up behind me looking to overtake, I do as the highway code says and "proceed with caution" until I can get out of their way.

Judicious use of rearview mirrors should let you know when one of these ijits is approaching your back bumper at an excessive rate of knots, thereby giving you lots of time to move out of HIS lane!

I'm sorry if I appeared "threatening", (though I would question your use of the word) but I would rather remark that someone seems in my own opinion to be dangerous and irresponsible than to have the death of another driver on my conscience due to them making a failed attempt at overtaking me following my attempts to "alter" their behaviour.

I didn't think it was threatening, that's not really possible on a forum! But I did wonder if you perhaps were a frustrated BMW driver

I try and drive to the prevailing conditions and that includes making allowances for the driving skills (or lack thereof) of other motorists.

You give no details on your profile as to where you are, age or experience. It might be interesting for you to take an observed run with someone from your local I.A.M group which you may find illuminating - you never know, it might be me

[Wh1teLeopard]

The slow driver doing 50-55mph causes HGV's to continually swing out to pass him or her thus congesting Lane 2 for long periods. This is VERY dangerous, especially in peak times.

Couldn't agree more! I drive up 'suicide alley' as it's known locally, the A38 between Weeford and Derby to everyone else lol It's a dual carriageway and I

Keep your eye out next week for another Go. I drive on the A38 a fair bit between the A50 and the hospital.

You'll have to beep beep me if you see me!

[another_pleb]

You give no details on your profile as to where you are, age or experience. It might be interesting for you to take an observed run with someone from your local I.A.M group which you may find illuminating - you never know, it might be me

Full, disclosure then:

I am 29 years old, driving since passing my test first time at 17. I have a clean driving licence and have never received any points.

My only car is an Aygo and I have never driven a BMW. I could afford a bigger, faster or more expensive car but I can't see the point in spending all that extra money and besides the Aygo suits my needs and I enjoy its rather spartan aesthetic.

I live in Aberdeen which is a city with traffic congestion of a place twice its size so between that and the distances involved travelling to other places (relatives on the West Coast (4 1/2 hours), Glasgow (3 hours) and Yorkshire (7 hours), I also have driven all the way to London on several occasions) I would say that I see a fair mix of different road conditions, rural, motorway and urban. I don't currently commute by car for my job but I have had to in the past.

For the record I am able to get well over 20,000 miles out of the Aygo's Conti Eco-contact tyres whereas some people on this forum seem to wear them out after about 10,000.

I am by no means an expert driver which is why I am always on the lookout for hints and tips about improving my skills. My posts on here regarding overtaking are based on my own experience (and in my view, common sense and good manners).

The idea of joining the IAM terrifies me though due to what I perceive as a sort of Victor Meldrew-ish image. Besides this, I have survived perfectly well on the roads so far.

[Jan&tone]

The idea of joining the IAM terrifies me though due to what I perceive as a sort of Victor Meldrew-ish image. Besides this, I have survived perfectly well on the roads so far.

Lol, no way! I may be ancient but no way am i a victor meldrew type, nor are the rest of our group!! And I've visited Aberdeen many times on business, via the sleeper i might add....

the Aberdeen group is very active and very good, give em a call, they're in the book

[AYGOgummy]

You give no details on your profile as to where you are, age or experience. It might be interesting for you to take an observed run with someone from your local I.A.M group which you may find illuminating - you never know, it might be me

Full, disclosure then:

I am 29 years old, driving since passing my test first time at 17. I have a clean driving licence and have never received any points.

My only car is an Aygo and I have never driven a BMW. I could afford a bigger, faster or more expensive car but I can't see the point in spending all that extra money and besides the Aygo suits my needs and I enjoy its rather spartan aesthetic.

I live in Aberdeen which is a city with traffic congestion of a place twice its size so between that and the distances involved travelling to other places (relatives on the West Coast (4 1/2 hours), Glasgow (3 hours) and Yorkshire (7 hours), I also have driven all the way to London on several occasions) I would say that I see a fair mix of different road conditions, rural, motorway and urban. I don't currently commute by car for my job but I have had to in the past.

For the record I am able to get well over 20,000 miles out of the Aygo's Conti Eco-contact tyres whereas some people on this forum seem to wear them out after about 10,000.

I am by no means an expert driver which is why I am always on the lookout for hints and tips about improving my skills. My posts on here regarding overtaking are based on my own experience (and in my view, common sense and good manners).

The idea of joining the IAM terrifies me though due to what I perceive as a sort of Victor Meldrew-ish image. Besides this, I have survived perfectly well on the roads so far.

Well I'm only 19, and even I'm thinking about taking the Advanced course! Nothing like a bit of extra knowledge. I did the Pass Plus and found this to be well worth the money, and doing the advanced obviously means you get more skills etc. But back to the original topic, I've been doing 60mph for most of the week on the motorway, and already I'm noticing big gains in tank mileage in comparison with last week (when I was managing my time very badly!). 60 is the way to go.

[Cyker]

Yeah, it's amazing the difference between in mpg between 60 and 70!

60 does seem to be the sweet spot to balance speed and fuel use; As you go above 60 the fuel use really jumps, but below 60 you don't really save that much more. I sometimes wonder if cars are set up deliberately for that or whether it's just physics :)