Wednesday 17 August 2011

Mind on other things

I noticed the car as it left the driveway. It didn't look right. As I got closer I noticed the car was weaving and the driver was constantly moving. At first I thought he was on the phone but I realised he was just sorting himself out and getting comfortable. Things he should have done before he started off!
He nearly hits a bus and on-coming traffic when overtaking a cyclist.
When he disappeared completely I was astounded. It was only the verge that kept him from going off the road.
He shouldn't have been driving!

Watch on YouTube

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Pedestrians crossing

Sending your kids off in advance to check there are no dangers is not the best method for road safety. Luckily I am always wary about islands.
Not sure if the mother was annoyed at me or her. I did grin at the fact they started crossing the next section with no checks of the pedestrian lights.

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Tuesday 12 July 2011

Not giving way

Unlike my earlier post where the right of way on the roundabout was in doubt.
This time I felt the car was trying to race me. He just continued as if it was the correct thing to do.

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Don't do as I do...

You would expect better from a driving instructor but this chap just kept on breaking the rules.
I am doing 30 in a 30 limit and he overtakes me exceeding the limit, on a blind bend. I was on the left of the road and couldn't see round the bend. The driver could see even less.
He hares off at speed until he meets a car driving legally and tail gates him.
In the end it didn't get him any where and he used extra petrol and some wear on his break pads.
I wouldn't recommend Uncle Nick as an instructor.

Watch on YouTube

Thursday 7 July 2011

Who has the right of way?

It is an area that I feel is very unclear.
Large roundabouts don't pose a problem it is the small and mini roundabouts. The highway code states that you should when arriving at a roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right. How far away from approaching the roundabout should you observe?
In this example I am approaching but is not on the roundabout, the other car is just on the roundabout. So who has the right of way?
I was actually set to allow the car to pass in front of me and I would carry on. The driver was suddenly aware of my presence and stopped. He did wave an apology.

Watch on YouTube

Thursday 9 June 2011

Waving

There are many method of signaling given in the Highway Code. This driver used none of them.
I is intending to turn right but doesn't signal and the first warning is the break lights. He then 'waves-on' the car waiting to turn out of the road.

Watch on YouTube

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Red Light Cyclist

It is not just car drivers and motorcyle/scooter riders that are a menace. Cyclists are the most vulnerable users of the road but also they often bring it on themselves by not obeying road signs and signals.
This happy chappy goes through two sets of red lights, the second whilst pedestians are still crossing, but gets stuck on the third set.
The silly thing is that if he had stopped at the first set as he should have he would have been ahead of himself, Go figure.

Watch on YouTube

Roundabout Reader

It was the reaction of the silver-blue car behind the dark red car that I noticed first. It was obvious the Dark red car was acting oddly. The Dark Red car is certainly driving erratically.
If you look carefully you will see the driver has a copy of an A to Z on the steering wheel and is trying to navigate whilst driving.

Watch on YouTube

Blues and Twos

Have you ever wondered what to do when you hear a siren? You must ensure you don't slow the vehicle down on its way to an emergency.
Well sometimes things are not what they appear.
If you listen carefully you will hear the siren is switched off just after the police car clears the lights. I pass them a short time later and they are in no hurry.

Watch on YouTube

Saturday 4 June 2011

Weaving

Weaving and braking without cause is a good sign that the driver is doing something else.
Candidates are mobile phones, SatNavs, Food.
This chap was leaning forward to enter something on a device stuck to the winscreen.
YouTube

Lane Discipline

he condition of a car can sometimes indicate the ability and intentions of the driver.
This car had a broken offside wing mirror. I did wonder how it happended but I think I now know.
HD Video
YouTube

Car Language

There are times when you see a car and know exactly what the driver is thinking. The car mirrors the drivers body language.
Saw this car and immediately realised the driver had only one thought on their mind. Overtaking.
The car was sitting right on the centre line and also tail-gating.
The learner driver 'holding us up' was maintaining a safe speed and reached 30mph when practible. The car beign a learner was obviously too much for our subject.
They were going to pass whatever it took.
Watch the video
HD Video
YouTube

Saturday 14 May 2011

Safe vehicles

Adding extras to your vehicle can enhance it. On the other hand it can make riding harder. Here is a case in point.
Watch the video HD Video

Traffic Lights

When a traffic light turns red it means Stop!
Unless you are more important than others on the road.
Watch the video HD Video

Saturday 7 May 2011

Pedestrian Crossings

You should always approach a pedestrian crossing with caution. You never know what you might come across.
Watch the video HD Video

Sunday 1 May 2011

Lane Discipline

Another simple set of rules. Mirror, signal and then manoeuvre.
On the other hand you could just pull out regardless - No mirror, no signal, just pull out.
Watch the video.
HD Video
YouTube

Roundabout Etiquette

It is pretty simple. Look and give way to the vehicle coming from the right. For some it is not simple. THey assume that if the vehicle ahead drives onto the roundabout it is OK for them.
Watch the video:
HD version
YouTube

U-turn

It was obvious pretty early that this driver was about to do a U-turn. He only had to drive a few extra yards to be safe and legal.
Watch the Video
HD version
YouTube

Illustrating the simple rules of riding

I am a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, both car and motorcycle so I am slightly more aware of what is going on around me. While out riding I come across all sorts of drivers who fail to follow the rules of the road.
I have a helmet mounted ContourHD camera which captures the antics of these drivers in full HD.